ENG vs IND 2025: 'It was our plan' - Shardul Thakur reveals how Rishabh Pant came to bat again
“There were quite a few efforts from the medical team. So, yes, kudos to them, They could get Rishabh back onto the field,” Shardul said.
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Shardul Thakur's counterattacking knock on the second day of the fourth Test between England and India proved to be crucial for the visitors at the Old Trafford. Because of Shardul's contributions, India posted 358 runs on the board before being bundled out in the first innings. He made 41 off 88 balls and hung in the middle alongside Ravindra Jadeja (20) and Washington Sundar (27). Ben Stokes got the Mumbai cricketer in the slips to bring an end to his useful knock.
At the fall of his wicket, India were in some sort of trouble, as everyone assumed them to be a batter short after a toe fracture to Rishabh Pant. Defying all the odds, though, Pant stepped in to bat literally with a broken foot, and scored some key runs down the order. While Pant made his way to the crease, Shardul appreciated his grit and determination by putting a hand on his heads. He also expressed his thoughts on the way the Indian vice-captain batted to add 17 more runs from his end to the team's total.
“I think it was always our plan [to try to bring Pant back]. There were quite a few efforts from the medical team. So, yes, kudos to them, They could get Rishabh back onto the field. He could bat there for a while. And whatever he did, it's of course vital runs for the team he scored. And yes, he was in a lot of pain. And we have seen him doing a lot of amazing things. And this was just another amazing thing that he did for the team today,” Shardul told reporters regarding the wicketkeeper-batter's injury update.
Jagadeesan set to replace injured Rishabh Pant for Oval Test
I don't have the authority to ask for the ball: Shardul
Being asked about his contributions with the ball, the 33-year-old told everyone that he does not hold enough authority to be asking for overs and a call is always taken by the captain, here Shubman Gill. He further expressed his desire to bowl a few more overs before the Stumps on Day 2, but Gill preferred other bowlers over the Palghar Express.
“Giving bowling is the captain's call. Not in my hands. The captain decides when to give them. I could have bowled two overs more today, but that is the captain's call. There's still three days of play left, so I will get to bowl more, and that is what I would like to do in this match. It is difficult to find rhythm, but I try to use my experience,” he explained.
England to resume at 225/2
The bulk of the scoring was done by the English openers with a session and a half they batted on the second day. Zak Crawley (84) and Ben Duckett (94) played brilliantly, but were undone by some good bowling towards the fag end of the second day's play. Currently, Ollie Pope and Joe Root are at the crease and will resume the innings from 225-2, as England trail by 133 runs.
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