Pant Poised to Surpass Kohli in Elite Test Century List Against England
Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is on the cusp of achieving a significant milestone as India prepares to face England in the second Test at Edgbaston. Following his remarkable consecutive centuries in the series opener at Headingley, Pant is now within striking distance of overtaking Virat Kohli on a prestigious list of Test century-makers.
Pant's aggressive batting style proved to be a major challenge for the English bowlers in the first Test, where he delivered blistering innings of 134 and 118. Despite his outstanding performance, India was unable to defend a target of 371, as England secured a victory by five wickets, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
Entering the second Test, Pant has already notched up five Test centuries against England, matching Kohli's record. Another century in Birmingham would propel him past Kohli, placing him alongside Mohammed Azharuddin, who boasts six Test centuries against England. Only Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid have more, with seven centuries each.
Pant's impressive record in England underscores his adaptability to the country's unique playing conditions. Across just 10 Tests and 19 innings, he has accumulated 808 runs at an average of 42.52, including four centuries and two half-centuries.
Should Pant achieve another century at Edgbaston, he will join an exclusive group of only seven visiting batters who have scored centuries in three consecutive Tests in England. This elite list includes legends such as Don Bradman, Brian Lara, and Rahul Dravid. Dravid remains the only Indian cricketer to have accomplished this feat, back in 2002.
As India aims to level the series, Pant's form could be a pivotal factor at Edgbaston. All eyes will be on the dynamic left-hander as he seeks to break more records and keep India's series hopes alive.
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