Tendulkar was excited by the performances of both Pandya and Pant. He took to the micro-blogging website Twitter to praise the duo
All-rounder Hardik Pandya starred with the ball to put India in command against England on the second day of the third Test at Nottingham on Sunday. His performance earned praise from batting legend Sachin Tendulkar.
It was a memorable day for two players at Trent Bridge. While Pandya achieved his maiden five-wicket haul (5/28 in six overs), debutant wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant pouched five catches.
In reply to India’s 329, England were bowled out for 161, losing all 10 wickets in one session, between lunch and tea. The visitors extended their lead to 292 as they ended the day at 124/2.
With his first ball of the spell, Pandya sent back hosts’ captain Joe Root, caught by KL Rahul at second slip. He then struck twice in one over to dismiss Jonny Bairstow and Chris Woakes.
The right-arm paceman, using the conditions well, then lured Adil Rashid into a forward prod and claimed his fourth wicket to be on a hat-trick. However, Stuart Broad denied him the hat-trick but did not last long as he became Pandya’s fifth victim.
Tendulkar was excited by the performances of both Pandya and Pant. He took to the micro-blogging website Twitter to praise the duo.
He wrote, “Fantastic cricket, both in front and behind the wickets. Congratulations @hardikpandya7 and @RishabPant777 on your respective 5 wicket hauls! Let’s nip this in the bud now.”
Fantastic cricket, both in front and behind the wickets. Congratulations and on your respective 5 wicket hauls! Let’s nip this in the bud now. pic.twitter.com/lNDVRbQFPc
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt)This superb performance from Pandya comes after West Indian pace legend Michael Holding’s criticism of him.
Holding, who is part of Sky Sports commentary panel for the Test series, said Pandya doesn’t deserve Test all-rounder tag.
In an interview to ESPNcricinfo, Holding had said, “I don’t think he (Pandya) does a lot with the ball. That is number one. He is not consistent. He does not have the control that puts batsmen under pressure constantly. He will bowl a couple of good deliveries, yes, but you need to have the control to put batsmen under pressure consistently.”
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