IND vs ENG, 2nd Test: Rishabh Pant's Composed Reply Silences Harry Brook's Sledging

Pant's Retort: How Rishabh Silenced Brook's Sledging Attempt with Composure

During the second innings of the Edgbaston Test, Rishabh Pant faced not only the English bowlers but also some verbal volleys from Harry Brook. In an attempt to unsettle the Indian batsman during his rapid half-century, Brook resorted to some mind games.

As Rishabh Pant was building momentum, Brook tried to get under his skin by asking, "What's your fastest hundred?" He was clearly trying to provoke Pant into playing a reckless shot.

Pant, however, remained calm and responded that it was "maybe 80-90 minutes" in Test cricket, alluding to his measured approach in previous centuries.

Brook, undeterred, then brought up his own achievement, boasting about his record-breaking century in the IPL. "The fastest hundred I've hit was in 55 balls – you could do that today," he taunted, aiming to push Pant into taking unnecessary risks.

But Pant refused to take the bait. With a smile, he replied, "It's okay. I'm not too greedy for records. If it happens, it happens," effectively shutting down Brook’s sledging attempt with a display of cool confidence.

Earlier, after scoring 25 in the first innings, Pant played a vital, counter-attacking knock of 65 off just 58 balls, including eight fours and three sixes.

To date, Pant has played 28 Tests in SENA countries, accumulating 2,023 runs at an impressive average of 41.28. This includes six centuries and six half-centuries in 52 innings, with a highest score of 159*.

Across the series, Pant has been a standout performer, notching up 342 runs in four innings at an average of 85.00 and a strike rate of 81.81, including two centuries and a fifty. His highest score in the series is 134.

During his innings, Pant combined with Gill to add 110 runs for the fourth wicket.

Gill also had a remarkable innings, following up his 269 in the first innings with a further 161, which he scored off 162 balls with 13 fours and eight sixes.

Jadeja contributed an unbeaten 69 (off 118 balls, with five fours and one six), adding another 175 runs in a swift partnership for the fifth wicket with the Indian captain.

India, who resumed the fourth day at 64 for one, had previously lost KL Rahul (55) and Karun Nair (26) in the first session.