Rishabh Pant & Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Test Cricket
When Indian Test Cricket Team could not perform well to win over Australia in WTC Final 2023 in Oval, the 2 players fans missed dearly are Rishabh Pant and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Rishabh Pant has single handedly saved test matches or win test matches for India recently while Bhuvneshwar's England experrtise were definitely missed. Take a dip in their finest performances:
Here are recreations of some of Rishabh Pant's memorable innings in Test cricket:
1. **97 vs. England, 4th Test, 2021**:
In this match played at The Oval, Pant came in to bat when India was struggling at 117/5 in the first innings. He played an aggressive knock, attacking the English bowlers with his strokeplay. Pant showcased his ability to dominate the opposition, hitting 12 fours and 3 sixes. Unfortunately, he fell just three runs short of a well-deserved century, caught behind off the bowling of James Anderson.
2. **89* vs. Australia, 4th Test, 2021**:
During the decisive final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Brisbane, Pant produced a match-winning innings. Chasing a target of 328, India found themselves in a difficult situation at 167/3 on the final day. Pant played fearlessly, taking the attack to the Australian bowlers. He struck 9 fours and a remarkable 3 sixes, unleashing his aggressive batting style. Pant remained unbeaten on 89, guiding India to a historic three-wicket victory and securing the series win.
3. **101 vs. England, 1st Test, 2021**:
Batting in the fourth innings of a challenging Test match at Trent Bridge, Pant displayed his resilience and composure. India required 209 runs to win and had lost half their side for 181. Pant combined his natural attacking instincts with sensible shot selection, reaching his century with a glorious six. His innings included 13 boundaries and 2 sixes. Pant played a crucial role in India's successful chase, helping them win the match by 151 runs.
4. **114 vs. England, 4th Test, 2021**:
In the first innings of the Oval Test, Pant once again demonstrated his aggressive style of play. Coming in at number six with the team struggling at 127/4, he counterattacked the English bowlers, smashing 13 fours and 2 sixes. Pant reached his second Test century with a six and provided valuable impetus to India's innings. His knock played a pivotal role in India's first innings total of 466 and set the foundation for a comprehensive victory.
5. **97 vs. Australia, 3rd Test, 2021**:
In the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Pant showcased his match-saving abilities. Chasing a mammoth target of 407, India found themselves in a precarious position at 102/3. Pant batted with great determination, showing a mix of caution and aggression. He struck 12 boundaries and 3 sixes, narrowly missing out on what could have been a heroic century. Pant's innings, however, helped India salvage a draw and keep the series alive.
Here are recreations of some of Bhuvneshwar Kumar's notable performances in Test cricket in England:
1. **6/82 & 4/60 vs. England, 1st Test, 2014**:
In his debut Test match in England, Bhuvneshwar Kumar showcased his swing bowling skills to trouble the English batsmen. In the first innings at Trent Bridge, he took six wickets for 82 runs, exploiting the helpful conditions with his ability to move the ball both ways. His accurate line and length troubled the English batsmen, including the likes of Alastair Cook and Ian Bell. In the second innings, Bhuvneshwar continued his fine form, picking up four wickets for 60 runs, helping India win the match by 95 runs.
2. **6/82 & 2/24 vs. England, 3rd Test, 2014**:
During the third Test at the Ageas Bowl, Bhuvneshwar Kumar once again proved to be a thorn in England's side. In the first innings, he claimed six wickets for 82 runs, swinging the ball prodigiously and causing significant problems for the English batsmen. His impressive performance helped India restrict England to a modest total. In the second innings, he followed up with two more wickets for just 24 runs, playing a crucial role in India's victory by 266 runs.
3. **4/97 & 5/82 vs. England, 4th Test, 2018**:
In the fourth Test at the Ageas Bowl, Bhuvneshwar Kumar exhibited his effectiveness as a swing bowler once again. In the first innings, he took four wickets for 97 runs, consistently troubling the English batsmen with his ability to swing the ball late. Despite England posting a sizable total, Bhuvneshwar's efforts kept them in check. In the second innings, he delivered a remarkable performance, claiming five wickets for 82 runs, including the prized scalps of Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow. Although India ultimately lost the match, Bhuvneshwar's contributions were commendable.
4. **3/64 & 3/51 vs. England, 2nd Test, 2018**:
During the second Test at Lord's, Bhuvneshwar Kumar showcased his versatility as a swing bowler. In the first innings, he picked up three wickets for 64 runs, including the dismissals of Alastair Cook and Keaton Jennings. His disciplined bowling played a part in restricting England to a modest total. In the second innings, Bhuvneshwar continued to trouble the English batsmen, claiming three more wickets for 51 runs. His contributions helped India secure a hard-fought victory at the iconic venue.