Pant's Edgbaston Blitz: Indian Wicketkeeper Makes SENA History in England Test

Rishabh Pant continues to redefine wicket-keeping batting, achieving a significant milestone on Saturday. He became the first Asian wicket-keeper to surpass 2,000 Test runs in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) while playing as a designated keeper. This feat underscores his impact as a modern cricketer.

Rishabh Pant celebrates his explosive innings at Edgbaston

Pant reached this landmark during his aggressive second-innings knock of 65 runs from 58 balls in the ongoing second Test against England at Edgbaston. His innings included eight fours and three sixes, blending aggression and purpose as he helped India strengthen their substantial lead. This performance followed a modest 25 in the first innings but further cemented his reputation as a clutch player, especially in challenging overseas conditions.

To date, Pant has accumulated 2,023 runs in 28 SENA Tests, maintaining a healthy average of 41.28. His record includes six centuries, six half-centuries, and a highest score of 159 not out.

In the current England series, Pant stands out as India’s second-highest run-scorer, amassing 342 runs in four innings at an impressive average of 85.50 and a striking strike rate of 81.81. His contributions include two centuries, one half-century, and a top score of 134.

Pant also broke a long-standing record during his explosive innings at Edgbaston. He now holds the record for the most sixes hit by a visiting batter in Tests in England, with a total of 24 sixes. This surpasses Ben Stokes’ previous record of 21 sixes against South Africa.

His contributions were crucial to India’s historic batting performance, as they amassed 1,014 runs at Edgbaston, marking their highest-ever aggregate in a Test match. This surpassed the previous record of 916 runs against Australia at the SCG in 2004. This is only the sixth time a team has scored over 1,000 runs in a single Test match.