Rishabh Pant was at his attacking best in the fifth Test against England, smashing 146 in only 111 balls at a strike rate to rescue India from a tricky position.

Walking in to bat at 71-4, Pant got to his fifty in a brisk 51 deliveries, but accelerated thereafter, hitting England’s bowlers to all parts of Edgbaston. The left-hander moved to his fifth Test hundred in 89 deliveries, registering the fastest hundred by an India keeper in the format, a feat that saw a rare animated celebration from head coach Rahul Dravid. Pant hit a total of 20 fours and four sixes, including a 101-metre trademark one-handed maximum, during which he became the youngest gloveman to the milestone of 2,000 Test runs.

Pant broke a number of records in his counter-attacking innings, as he along with Ravindra Jadeja notched up 222 runs for the sixth wicket, taking India to 320 before the former was dismissed by Joe Root.

Pant, 24 years old, now has four Test tons away from home, and currently averages 43.04 in his 31st match with a strike rate of 72.84.

Pundits and former players were left stunned yet again at the brilliance of the youngster, applauding his nonchalance and fearless approach through the innings.

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