India’s newly appointed test vice-captain Rishabh Pant shared a light-hearted manner on the upcoming England series, admitting that he feels a sense of relief that James does not face the combined pair of Anderson and Stuart Broad. Both retired with both veterans, Pant jokingly said that the pressure on India’s batsmen would be slightly less in this summer.
The England range of summer marks an important transition to the hosts, as it will be the first in the years in James Anderson or Stuart Broad in the playing XI. After the ashes of 2023, Broad stepped away from international cricket and went into commentary since then. Meanwhile, Anderson played his final Test during the first match of the 2024 West Indies series. While he has played a back role in advice and coaching within the England camp, his presence as a bowler will miss on the field.
Speaking in a pre-match Press conference before headingley test On 18 June, Pants accepted the impact on Anderson and Broad, and expressed that they would not be relaxed at this time.
“Certainly, it looks great when both (Anderson and Broad) are not both. Because for the last two tours, they have been for England for so many years and I have come only for two tourism. But at the same time, they have enough ammunition in the form of England bowling line-up,” Pants said in pre-match press conferences.
He said, “We do not want to take anyone lightly because our team is also young. They are still trying to develop ourselves. But at the same time, we got to play our cricket and respect the bowlers and opposition, where it needs,” he said.
Pants, now one of the most players in India’s test side, has taken additional responsibility after the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the longest format. With the leadership baton passing the younger generation, the pants find itself as an important person both on the field and outside.
Despite the absence of Anderson and Broad, England’s bowling attack is dangerous. Chris Woakes, Bridan Cars, Josh Tongue and Shoaib Bashir’s choice is a promising entity that can disturb India in home conditions. Pants are expected to play a central role in combating England bowlers, especially if the top order faces early failures.
With the series being an important part of the World Test Championship cycle, everyone’s eyes will be on how Pant handles both bat and leadership, which promises to be a challenging but exciting competition.
