Whenever Rishabh Pant is on song in Test cricket, it is entertaining to watch. While Pant was not on an all out attack against England in the ongoing first Test, he did not refrain from playing his typical unorthodox shots to frustrate the bowlers. During his partnership with newly-appointed captain, Pant had a few interesting conversations that were caught on stump mic.
First, he talked to Gill about how he played with experienced pacer Chris Woakes' mind when he pitched the ball up.
"Usko tha ki frustrate hua hai, maarega iss ball pe. (He thought that I'm frustrated and hit him on this ball)," Pant told Gill as he defended a delivery.
In another video clip posted by Star Sports, he ducked to a bouncer from Brydon Carse and talked about respecting the delivery.
"Bada ball daal diya yaar. Respect karna pad gaya bohot tagda (He bowled the bouncer. I had to respect the delivery a lot.)," said the wicketkeeper-batter.
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In another conversation, Gill can be heard asking whether Pant wants to take a single to complete a century. But Pant said that he plays deliveries which are meant to be played in front towards square or behind the wicket.
"Samne marke bhagega Rishabh? Samne marke? (Will you run after hitting the ball in front?)," Gill asked.
"Aage ki bhi piche khela hu. (I play the ball pitched up behind the wicket as well)," Pant replied.
"Nahi nahi. Main ready rahunga na fir. (No, no. I'll be ready to run a single)," Gill said.
"Mai waise nahi maarta na (I don't hit like that)," Pant said.
Then, Pant danced down the wicket and hit the ball over the ropes to reach his century. He was lauded by the legendary Sunil Gavaskar in the commentary box as well. Pant celebrated his century with a somesault to further entertain the Headingley crowd.
Pant scored 134 runs from 178 deliveries, including 12 fours and six sixes, before he was dismissed lbw by Josh Tongue. Pant and Gill shared a 209-run partnership for the fourth wicket.