Edgbaston Test: Rishabh Pant's Classy Response Silences Harry Brook's Sledge Over Century Record

India's Rishabh Pant celebrates after scoring fifty runs day four of the second cricket test match between England and India at Edgbaston in Birmingham, England, Saturday, July 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)

During the second innings of the Edgbaston Test, Rishabh Pant delivered a scintillating performance that not only entertained the crowd but also silenced Harry Brook's attempts at unsettling him. Brook resorted to some light-hearted banter during Pant's rapid half-century, hoping to disrupt the Indian batsman's rhythm.

As Rishabh Pant unleashed his aggressive strokes, Brook tried to get under his skin with a pointed question: "What's your fastest hundred?" The intent was clear – to plant a seed of recklessness in Pant's approach.

Pant, however, remained unfazed. He calmly responded, "In Test cricket, maybe 80–90 minutes," referring to the measured pace of his previous centuries.

Brook, undeterred, then brought up his own blistering record in the IPL, cheekily teasing, "The fastest hundred I've hit was in 55 balls—you could do that today." He was clearly trying to goad Pant into playing rash shots.

However, Pant refused to take the bait. With a composed smile, he shut down the sledging with quiet confidence, saying, "It's okay. I'm not too greedy for records. If it happens, it happens."

After a score of 25 in the first innings, Pant delivered a crucial and entertaining counter-attacking knock of 65 off just 58 balls, which included eight fours and three sixes.

Pant's impressive Test record now stands at 2,023 runs in 28 SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) Tests, with an average of 41.28. He has six centuries and six fifties in 52 innings, with a highest score of 159*.

In this series, Pant has been a standout performer, emerging as the second-highest run-scorer. He has amassed 342 runs in four innings at an average of 85.00 and a strike rate of 81.81, including two centuries and a fifty, with a best score of 134.

Pant's stroke-filled 65, which included eight fours and three sixes, contributed to a 110-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Gill.

Gill also displayed exceptional form, following up his magnificent 269 in the first innings with another substantial knock of 161. His innings spanned 162 balls and included 13 fours and eight sixes.

Jadeja remained unbeaten on 69 (off 118 balls, with five fours and one six), adding 175 runs in a rapid partnership for the fifth wicket with the Indian skipper.

Earlier in the day, India, resuming their fourth day's play at 64 for one, had lost KL Rahul (55) and Karun Nair (26) in the first session.