Rishabh Pant's Wit Trumps Harry Brook's Sledge in Edgbaston Test Joust - WATCH

Rishabh Pant's Witty Retort Deflates Harry Brook's Sledging Attempt During Edgbaston Test

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 displayed his resilience not only with the bat but also with his sharp wit. England's Harry Brook attempted to unsettle the dynamic Indian batsman through some on-field banter, but Pant's calm response silenced the sledging attempt.

As Rishabh Pant was building a rapid half-century, Brook tried to get into his head by asking, "What's your fastest hundred?" The intention was clear: to tempt Pant into playing reckless shots.

Pant, however, remained unfazed by Brook's tactics. He coolly responded, "In Test cricket, maybe 80–90 minutes," referring to the measured tempo of his previous centuries.

Brook pressed on, bringing up his own blistering record in the IPL. "The fastest hundred I’ve hit was in 55 balls—you could do that today," he taunted, hoping to provoke Pant into a rash display of aggression.

But Pant wasn't biting. 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.”

Earlier, after scoring 25 in the first innings, Pant had delivered an entertaining, counter-attacking and crucial 65 in 58 balls, decorated with eight fours and three sixes.

Pant's Impressive Record in SENA Countries:

Now, in 28 SENA Tests, Pant has accumulated 2,023 runs at an average of 41.28, including six centuries and six fifties in 52 innings, with a highest score of 159*.

Pant's Performance in the Series:

In the series, Pant stands as the second-highest run-scorer, amassing 342 runs in four innings at an average of 85.00 and a strike rate of 81.81, comprising two centuries and a fifty. His highest score is 134.

Partnerships and Other Key Performances:

Pant struck a stroke-filled 65 off 58 balls, including eight fours and three sixes, forging a 110-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Gill.

Gill complemented his impressive 269 in the first innings with another substantial knock of 161, scored off 162 balls with 13 fours and eight sixes.

Jadeja contributed an unbeaten 69 (118 balls, five fours and one six), adding a brisk 175 runs for the fifth wicket with the Indian skipper.

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