| Rishabh will bat on day five, says India batting coach | | |
Manchester, July 26: Injured wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will bat on day five of the fourth Test, said India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak here on Saturday.
On day two, Pant came out to bat despite a fractured right foot and went on to score a half-century. Since the injury on day one, it was made clear than Pant will not be in a position to keep but will bat if the team requires.
"Rishabh will bat tomorrow," said Kotak after stumps on day four.
India trail England by 137 runs despite a commendable 174-run rearguard stand between K L Rahul and Shubman Gill on Saturday. India ended day four at 174 for two.
Kotak lauded the captain and Rahul, who has been a rock of the batting line up.
"A five day wicket will have wear and tear but it is playing fine barring the odd ball turning. They batted with a lot of belief and determination. It is tough when you lose two early wickets.
"But I think at lunchtime also, they had that belief that we will take some time, see first 10-15 overs and then take it from there. So, absolutely brilliant the way they batted."
Kotak said Gill is reaping the benefits of a change in mindset.
"See, from Australia series to this series, I have also seen his thought process and the way he batted. It is little different than what he has done in Australia. We discussed, but I would give a lot of credit to him for deciding on that wicket, what he wants to play, when he wants to play. |
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