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Newly-appointed India vice-captain Rishabh Pant etched his name into history books with his twin centuries in the Headingley Test against England. The 27-year-old became the first-ever wicketkeeper-batter from India to score tons in both the innings of a Test match. Additionally, he became only the second wicketkeeper-batter in history to achieve the feat after former Zimbabwe cricketer Andy Flower.
After Pant completed his century during India's second innings on Day 4, many were expecting him to bring out his signature somersault celebration. However, the 27-year-old instead decided to do a celebration made famous by England footballer Dele Alli. Pant had earlier done the celebration when he reached the three-digit mark in the first innings.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan, who was among the people waiting for Pant to do the somersault, was left disappointed with the left-hand batter for choosing a different celebration after completing his century.
Vaughan wanted Pant to do his somersault celebration
"Can you explain what that celebration is? Do you know what that is? I was waiting for that flip as well. I was rather disappointed on commentary when he didn't produce a double flip. Knowing Rishabh, he's always going to try to improve his celebrations, but I guess your celebration is probably taking this bit," Vaughan said on Sony Sports Network.
Legendary India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, who was also a part of the discussion, revealed why Pant didn't opt to do the celebration.
"No, this is, I think that's basically, thanking the gods above. He had something on his eye. He kind of put us on the signal," Gavaskar stated.
Meanwhile, after setting up a target of 371 for England to achieve, the Indian bowlers struggled to pick up wickets on Day 5 as the duo of Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett piled on runs and pushed the visitors completely to the back-foot. The latter would go on to bring up his century in the second session after facing 121 deliveries, continuing his brilliant form in the format.
Crawley also reached his half-century and remained unbeaten as rain stopped play during the 41st over of England's innings. The hosts headed back to the dugout on 181/0 with Crawley batting on 59 and Duckett unbeaten on 105. The Men in Blue need wickets and they need them desperately.
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