Pant unfazed by threat from returning England pacer
India head into the Lord's Test with a 1-1 series scoreline and all the momentum, following a dominant 336-run victory in the second Test in Birmingham. While the short gap between matches might pose a challenge, Pant sees it as a potential advantage.
'Definitely it's a short turnaround, but like you said, when you have momentum in your side, you want that short turnaround,' said Pant on the eve of the third Test.
'We are not thinking about it too much. It's good for us to have the momentum, but eventually you've got to play good cricket. This team will play better, and will win eventually.'
Pant remained tight-lipped about India's bowling combination for Lord's, with the team weighing up whether to go with three pacers and a spinner, or add an extra spinner to the mix.
'I think the option is still open. Discussions are still going on.
'Whether it's 3-1 or 3-2, we'll know by tomorrow. Because sometimes in two days, the wicket changes colour, the moisture becomes less. We'll take a final call based on how we think the pitch will play.'
India opted for a lone spinner in Ravindra Jadeja in the first Test, before bringing in Washington Sundar for the second at Edgbaston, with the team also favouring Nitish Kumar Reddy over Shardul Thakur.
Jasprit Bumrah on winning the ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year award | ICC Awards 2024
Jasprit Bumrah revels in winning the ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year award | ICC Awards 2024
Diving further, Pant heaped praise on ICC No.1 ranked Test bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who put on a clinical show in the first Test and sat out the second Test to manage workload and is in contention to start at Lord's.
'I think everything - how accurate he is, the way his mind works - he's just an amazing man,' Pant said. 'That late movement he gets is especially difficult. I think it's more challenging for the wicketkeeper than the batsman, especially in England.'
To spice things up, England have included Jofra Archer in their playing XI for the third Test against India at Lord's. This marks Archer's first Test appearance in more than four years, and Pant welcomed Archer's return to the red-ball format.
'Personally, whenever I step on the field, I enjoy my cricket and give my 200%. It's not particularly about any individual. Yes, it's going to be a good contest because he's coming back after a long break. I'm happy he's back.'
The fiery quick has returned commanding numbers in the longest format, snapping 42 wickets in 13 contests and returning three five-wicket hauls.
Pant also shed light on the unpredictable nature of the Dukes ball in this series, which has tested both batters and wicketkeepers with its inconsistent behaviour.
'It's definitely irritating for the players. Every ball plays differently.
'When it becomes softer, it doesn't do too much, but as soon as it's changed, it starts doing a lot again. So as a batsman, you've got to keep adjusting constantly.'
The two sides square off in the third Test at Lords, beginning Thursday, 10th July. ICC World Test Championship, 2025/27NewsRishabh Pant
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