Rishabh Pant smashes superb century as India turn the tables on England

A healthy dose of their own medicine came England’s way on day one of the rescheduled fifth Test against India as Rishabh Pant unfurled a remarkable century and a reminder that the concept of “Baz-ball” is neither new nor exclusive.

This had initially looked like a meeting of the confident versus the undercooked when India stumbled to 98 for five either side of a two-hour rain break over lunch. Jimmy Anderson had cruised in for three typically slick wickets, while Matt Potts had added two more to his burgeoning collection, including the prized pelt of Virat Kohli.

But over the course of the afternoon, as heavy clouds eventually made way for bright sunshine, Pant delivered a breathtaking counterattack packed with deft cuts and contemptuous drives that changed the entire complexion of his side’s first innings and saw them reach 338 for seven at the close.

Pant brought up his fifth Test century from just 89 balls, gave Jack Leach another torrid time after their one-sided encounter in India last year, and looked a man totally at ease until Ben Stokes turned to Joe Root’s off-spin out of desperation and an edge flew to slip. The wicketkeeper walked off with 146 from 111 balls to his name and the applause of Edgbaston, having cracked 20 fours and four sixes.

Pant needed a partner in crime and Ravindra Jadeja, the number seven, was far more watchful than his fellow left-hander en route to a half-century from 109 deliveries after tea that was once again celebrated with that twirling sword celebration. The all-rounder was one half of a sixth-wicket partnership worth 222 runs in just under 40 overs, the kind of shock and awe that England dished out to New Zealand.

An already discombobulating series finale, some 10 months after