Pant century turns around India's fortunes against England

Rishabh Pant gave England a taste of their own medicine as his counter-attacking century flipped India's fortunes on day one of their rearranged series decider at Edgbaston.

England were making all the running when they reduced their opponents to 98 for five, but were taken apart by Pant's rampant 146 off only 111 balls.

The wicketkeeper hit 19 fours and four sixes as he dominated a stand of 222 with Ravindra Jadeja (83no), smashing his way out of a sticky spot in the way England did on several occasions during their 3-0 whitewash of New Zealand.

England's buccaneering methods have been called “Bazball” in honour of head coach Brendon McCullum, but Pant has always played the game at his own tempo and this was a timely reminder of his own maverick qualities.

India closed on 338 for seven after Joe Root's part-time spin finally ended Pant's assault, James Anderson having taken three wickets and Matthew Potts the prize scalp of Virat Kohli.

This fifth LV= Insurance Test is a curiosity in an already packed fixture list, completing last summer's series following the 11th hour abandonment in Manchester. India retain their 2-1 lead, but with changes of captain, coach and personnel in each dressing room, this was a fresh challenge for all concerned.

England bowler Ben Stokes in action at Edgbaston. Getty Images

England skipper Stokes started with a typically bold gambit, putting India in with the hope of maximising early cloud cover and keeping his side's hot streak of chasing targets.

India first-time captain Jasprit Bumrah had been keen to bat first too, but the early skirmishes went with the home side. Nobody is better under gloomy English skies than Anderson, back in the side after ankle trouble, and he took out both