Rishabh Pant becomes India's highest run-scorer in World Test Championship
What's the story
Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has made history by becoming the highest run-scorer for India in the World Test Championship (WTC). The 27-year-old achieved this feat with a half-century in the first innings of the fourth Test match against England in Manchester. Despite suffering a toe injury on Day 1, Pant returned to bat on Day 2 and broke Rohit Sharma's record.
Record-breaking run
Pant returns to bat, breaks Sharma's record
On Day 1 of the Manchester Test, Pant had scored 37 runs before walking off due to his injury. He needed just three more runs to surpass Sharma's record. On Day 2, after Shardul Thakur was dismissed for 41 runs, Pant returned to the crease and batted with grit despite his injury. He eventually completed his half-century but was dismissed shortly after for a total of 54 runs from 75 balls. His efforts powered India to 358/10.
Future plans
Dhruv Jurel to keep wickets for India
It has been reported that Dhruv Jurel will keep wickets for India in the fifth Test. Pant is likely to be out of action for a few weeks and will miss the fifth Test at The Oval. The BCCI selectors had initially contacted Ishan Kishan, but he is currently unfit after an accident. Meanwhile, Pant might bat in the third innings of the Manchester Test if required.
Numbers
Pant overtakes Rohit
Rohit managed 2,716 runs from 40 matches in his WTC career at 41.15. The tally includes nine tons besides eight fifties (200: 1). Playing his 37th WTC Test, Pant has raced to 2,731 runs at a sensational average of 43.34. This includes 22 50-plus scores, including six tons. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan (2,144) and Australia's Alex Carey (2,010) are the only other designated keepers with 2,000-plus WTC runs.
Stats
Pant slams his 18th fifty in Tests
Pant hit three fours and two sixes in his knock of 54. In 47 Test matches, Pant has raced to 3,427 runs at 44.50. He registered his 18th fifty (100s: 8). As per ESPNcricinfo, in 16 Tests versus England, he owns 1,260 runs at 46.66. This was his 7th fifty versus England (100s: 5). During his knock of 54, Pant also surpassed 1,000 runs in England. He owns 1,035 runs at 43.12 (100s: 4, 50s: 5).