Rishabh Pant, Kl Rahul and India in lower ruin record

The IND vs ENG 1st Test is evenly poised heading into the final day at Headingley, Leeds. Having lost captain Shubman Gill early, India consolidated with tons from KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. The visitors had a chance to bat England out of the contest, but another lower order collapse meant the hosts need 371 to win. England ended the day at 21/0, needing 350 on the final day.

All class from KL Rahul

KL Rahul held the Indian innings together in a good mix of class and grit. India’s most experienced batter in the IND vs ENG series, Rahul trusted his defense to frustrate the English attack. A rock solid defiance was paired with exquisite looking drives in what turned out to be the Indian opener’s 9th Test century. 8 of Rahul’s 9 centuries have come overseas, with 3 in England. He is the first Asian opener to score 3 centuries in England. He top scored with 137, batting for more than 6 hours to ensure India have a good score to try and defend on the final day.

Rishabh Pant – India’s best ever wicketkeeper batter?

To limit Rishabh Pant’s heroics just to wicketkeeper batters would be a disservice to the left-hander who has been India’s best batsman this decade. After a century in the first innings, the 27-year-old added another in the second. Pant showcased unnerving calm, throwing England off their plans.

Then in typical fashion he unleashed his assault to reach his 8th Test century, and his 4th in England. He became the first Indian to score twin centuries in England, and the only second ever keeper to do it Test history. Pant is without a doubt India’s best ever wicketkeeper batter, and could end up as the best ever if he keeps up with how his career has panned out so far.

Karun Nair – a missed opportunity

Karun Nair had waited for nearly a decade to re-enter India’s Test team. The 33-year-old was expected to fill Virat Kohli’s shoes in the India XI. He however responded with scores of 0 and 20 in the Headingley Test. Nair looked tentative and underconfident, feeling the pressure of the occasion. He came into bat with India comfortable on both occasions, but triggered collapses than build the team’s advantage.

Collapse friendly India hand England a lifeline

41/7 in the 1st innings. Now 31/6 on Day 4 in the 2nd innings. If dropping 6 catches wasn’t enough, India ensured that they did all in their power to keep the game as even as possible heading into the final day. India’s last five wickets have added a total of 55 runs in both innings combined. For comparison, England’s tail managed 189 in the first innings wiping India’s lead. That could well turn out to be a difference between a win and a loss for Shubman Gill’s side.