India enjoyed their best day so far in their five-match Test series against England on Sunday, taking 10 wickets in a single session and then piling on the runs to reach a dominant position in the third Test at Trent Bridge. Their hero on the day was all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who took five wickets and gave a stunning answer to his critics after coming under fire after the second Test.
After being all-out for 329, India produced a superlative bowling performance in the second session and dismissed the hosts, who were at 54/0 at a point of time, for a paltry 161. Pandya produced a masterclass in swing bowling, putting the ball in the right areas and leaving the English batsmen completely clueless.
It was Pandya’s first Test five-wicket haul and another player that stood out was none other than wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant, who is making his Test debut, took five catches behind the stumps and became just the third keeper in history and the first from Asia to take five catches on his first Test.
Impressed by the performances, Sachin Tendulkar lauded the duo on social media.
“Fantastic cricket, both in front and behind the wickets. Congratulations @hardikpandya7 and @RishabPant777 on your respective 5 wicket hauls! Let’s nip this in the bud now. #ENGvIND,” wrote Tendulkar on Twitter.
India now have a lead of 292 runs with eight wickets in hand in the second innings.
