England captain Stokes relishing Pant battle in India series

AFP | London

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England captain said yesterday he “absolutely loves” watching Rishabh Pant play cricket even when he’s on the receiving end of the India star’s outrageous stroke-play.

Pant became only the second wicketkeeper in Test history to score hundreds in both innings of a match against England at Headingley, although his heroics were unable to prevent a five-wicket defeat last week that left the hosts 1-0 up in a five-match contest.

The 27-yearold Pant made his intentions clear when he charged down the pitch to just the second ball he faced in Leeds and straight drove Stokes for four -- a shot that brought an admiring grin from the England skipper.

Stokes, well capable of aggressive batting himself, expects more fireworks from Pant, even if he hopes to limit the Indian’s runs after scores of 134 and 118.