In the second Test between India and England, Rishabh Pant, the vice-captain, didn’t score many runs in the first innings. Still, he made an impact as the wicketkeeper and filled in as captain when Shubman Gill was off the field.
On both Day 2 and Day 3, Pant briefly led the team. He played a key role in Mohammed Siraj’s fourth wicket. Siraj ended up taking six wickets in the game. Gill was off the field when, on the fifth ball of the 88th over, Siraj hit Brydon Carse on the pads. Siraj appealed for LBW, but the umpire said no. Pant was sure the ball had hit the pad first and signaled for the Decision Review System (DRS).
By the time the replay was shown Gill had returned. The DRS confirmed the ball would have hit the leg stump, prompting umpire Saikat to reverse his decision and Siraj was elated. Gill celebrated by hugging Siraj.
Former England captain Nasser Hussain commented that Rishabh Pant decided to review the call, although Shubman Gill stepped in to give Siraj a hug for handling the DRS call when he was away.
Jamie Smith and Harry Brook put up a great fight for England. They had a 303-run partnership for the sixth wicket. However, India remained in a strong spot, with their lead going over 200 at the end of Day 3 of the second Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in Edgbaston on Friday.
Mohammed Siraj stood out as the star bowler for India, taking 6-70 in 19.3 overs. He started the day by dismissing Joe Root and Ben Stokes on consecutive deliveries. Siraj’s performance, along with Akash Deep’s 4-88, helped India gain a 180-run lead. This was Siraj’s fourth time taking five or more wickets in a Test innings, but his first in England.
England were struggling at 84/5 in the second over of the morning session. Brook rescued the team, scoring 158 off 234 balls with 17 fours and a six. Smith also performed very well. Unfortunately he ran out of partners and finished with 184 not out, the highest Test score by an England wicketkeeper, including 21 fours and a six.