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Key Points

Rishabh Pant has etched his name in cricket history by becoming the first Asian wicketkeeper-batter to score 2,000 runs in SENA countries. His remarkable achievement came during the Birmingham Test against England, where he continued his impressive batting form. Pant's milestone highlights his consistent performance and growing importance in India's Test lineup. His ability to score runs across challenging overseas conditions marks him as a truly special talent in contemporary cricket.

Key Points: Rishabh Pant Creates Historic 2,000-Run SENA Milestone

  • Pant breaks historic barrier with 2,023 SENA Test runs
  • Scored at impressive 41.28 average with six centuries
  • Second-highest run-getter in current England series
  • Achieved milestone during Birmingham Test against England
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Rishabh Pant creates record, first Asian wicketkeeper-batter to score 2,000 runs in SENA countries

Rishabh Pant becomes first Asian wicketkeeper to score 2,000 runs in SENA countries, showcasing remarkable batting prowess in Birmingham Test

"A counter-attacking and crucial 65 in just 58 balls - Match Commentary"

Birmingham, July 5

Rishabh Pant made history on Saturday, becoming the first Asian wicketkeeper-batter to score 2,000 runs as a specialist keeper in South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia (SENA) countries.

Pant achieved this milestone during the second Test at Birmingham against England.

After managing 25 runs in the first innings, Pant delivered an entertaining, counter-attacking and crucial 65 in 58 balls, with eight fours and three sixes.

Now in 28 SENA Tests, Pant has scored 2,023 runs at an average of 41.28, with six centuries and six fifties in 52 innings and a best score of 159*.

In this series, Pant is the second-highest run-getter, with 342 runs in four innings at an average of 85.00 and a strike rate of 81.81, with two centuries and a fifty. His best score is 134.

Coming to the match, England once again opted to field first. After getting KL Rahul (2) early, a 80-run stand between Yashasvi Jaiswal (87 in 107 balls, with 13 fours) and Karun Nair (31 in 50 balls, with five fours) helped India gain some footing in the match. Skipper Shubman Gill had valuable partnerships of 203 runs with Ravindra Jadeja (89 in 137 balls, with 10 fours and a six) and a 144-run stand against Washington Sundar (42 in 103 balls, with three fours and a six), helping India towards 587, scoring 269 in 387 balls himself, with 30 fours and three sixes.

Shoaib Bashir (3/167) was the pick of the bowlers for England, while Chris Woakes and Josh Tongue also managed two each.

In England's first innings, India had them on the ropes with 84/5. However, a 303-run stand between Harry Brook (158 in 234 balls, with 17 fours and a six) and wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith (184* in 207 balls, with 21 fours and four sixes) sent India on an endless hunt for leather and answers. However, Siraj (6/70) and Akash Deep (4/88) got something out of the new ball and tumbled down the last five wickets for 20 runs, bundling them down for 407 runs, gaining a 180-run lead.

India's response was a swift half-century partnership between Jaiswal (28 in 22 balls, with six fours) and KL Rahul, who also continued his good run with a 10-boundary-filled 55 in 84 balls. A 110-run stand for the fourth wicket between Rishabh Pant (65 in 58 balls, with eight fours and three sixes) and Gill upped the attack, while Gill managed yet another epic 175-run stand with Jadeja, scoring 161 in 162 balls, with 13 fours and eight sixes. Jadeja scored an unbeaten 69* in 118 balls, with five fours and a six. India declared at 427/6, leading by 607 runs and setting England a monstrous 608 runs to win.

England ended the fourth day at 72/3, with Harry Brook (15*) and Ollie Pope (24*) unbeaten.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While Pant's achievement is fantastic, I wish our other batsmen showed similar consistency abroad. Too often we see collapses after good starts. Still, proud of this Delhi boy making history!
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Rohit P
Pant's strike rate of 81.81 in this series is insane for Test cricket! He's redefining how wicketkeepers should bat. Remember when people questioned his place in the team? Now he's our X-factor player.
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Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in England, I must say Pant's performances here have been extraordinary. The way he handles pressure situations against quality bowling attacks is remarkable. That 159* at Sydney was magical!
K
Karthik V
Pant's keeping has improved tremendously too. Earlier he used to drop catches but now he's very reliable behind the stumps. Complete package player for India. Hope he stays fit for years to come!
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Michael C
The most impressive thing is his average of 41.28 in SENA countries - that's world class for any batsman, let alone a wicketkeeper. India has found their long-term solution for the keeper-batsman role.

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