Rishabh Pant has broken Adam Gilchrist’s record for the most sixes in Test cricket, Rediff reported on Monday, a day after the India wicketkeeper was forced off the field by a blow to the wrist in Colombo. The Rishabh Pant sixes record now stands above the Australian’s mark, set in a second-Test innings that ended with India declaring on 503 for 9 after a hundred from Dhruv Jurel, Reuters reported.
How the Rishabh Pant sixes record was broken
Pant had retired hurt on 3 from 15 balls in the third session of day one, struck on the wrist of his bottom hand as he attempted to pull a 133kph short delivery from Lahiru Kumara, ESPNcricinfo reported. He padded up again late that evening without being required to bat, then resumed on Monday morning and took India to 419 for 6 by lunch alongside Jurel, according to AP News.
Devdutt Padikkal’s 117, a century in a second successive Test, had carried India to 300 for 5 on the opening day at the SSC, with Shubman Gill making 50 and Asitha Fernando the pick of the home attack on 3 for 46.
India’s batting coach on Pant’s fitness
India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak had sounded unconcerned once day one closed. Pant “should be fine” to continue, Kotak said, naming the wicketkeeper among the batters he hoped would drive India forward on the second morning. Had he been unable to bat, Jurel — who ordinarily comes in at No. 7 — was the likeliest of two reserve keepers in the XI to take the gloves.
India lead the series 1-0 after their 165-run win in Galle, and are playing in Colombo without Kuldeep Yadav, who Kotak said had left the first venue with viral fever. Sri Lanka, whose Asitha was fined 25% of his match fee in Sunday’s disciplinary fallout, now bat for the first time in a match that has already sharpened India’s World Test Championship push in a cycle Australia lead.
