Pant's Witty Response Trumps Brook's Sledging Attempt in Second Test

Rishabh Pant's Witty Retort Silences Harry Brook's Speed Boast in Second Test

During the second innings of the Edgbaston Test, Rishabh Pant showcased not only his explosive batting but also his sharp wit, effectively countering England's Harry Brook's attempts at unsettling him.

As Pant launched a counter-attack, Brook tried to get under his skin by questioning his fastest Test century. “What’s your fastest hundred?” he inquired, seemingly trying to provoke a reckless response from the Indian batsman.

Pant, unfazed, responded calmly, stating his Test centuries typically come in "80–90 minutes."

Brook then referenced his own blistering IPL hundred, boasting, “The fastest hundred I’ve hit was in 55 balls—you could do that today.” This was a clear attempt to goad Pant into playing rash shots.

However, Pant remained composed. With a smile, he retorted, “It’s okay. I’m not too greedy for records. If it happens, it happens,” effectively shutting down Brook’s sledging with quiet confidence.

Pant's crucial innings of 65 off 58 balls, which included eight fours and three sixes, followed his first innings score of 25.

Currently, Pant boasts an impressive record in 28 SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) Tests, accumulating 2,023 runs at an average of 41.28. This includes six centuries and six fifties in 52 innings, with a highest score of 159*.

In the ongoing series, Pant stands out as the second-highest run-scorer, amassing 342 runs in four innings at an average of 85.00 and a strike rate of 81.81, including two centuries and a fifty. His highest score in the series is 134.

During the innings, Pant forged a valuable 110-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Gill.

Gill complemented Pant's efforts with a significant contribution, following up his first-innings 269 with another substantial knock of 161 off 162 balls, including 13 fours and eight sixes.

Jadeja remained unbeaten on 69 (118 balls, five fours and one six), further bolstering India's score with a rapid 175-run partnership for the fifth wicket with the Indian captain.

India, resuming their fourth day's play at 64 for one, had previously lost KL Rahul (55) and Karun Nair (26) in the first session.