ENG vs IND 2018: Harbhajan Singh Lauds Hardik Pandya For Five-Wicket Haul At Trent Bridge

Veteran Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh lauded Hardik Pandya for his stunning spell in the ongoing third England vs India Test at Trent Bridge.

The match was finely poised when Virat Kohli handed the ball to Pandya. England were 86 for 3 in reply to India’s 329. And Pandya made his intentions clear by dismissing England skipper Joe Root on the very first ball of his spell. The allrounder, who has been coping criticism in recent times, did not look back and went on to demolish the English lineup.

After going wicketless in his next two overs, he took as many as four in the next two. In his fourth over, he accounted for Jonny Bairstow and Chris Woakes to leave England reeling at 118 for 7. Bairstow edged one to KL Rahul at second slip while Pant took an excellent catch behind the stumps to dismiss last match’s centurion Woakes. In his fifth over, the allrounder dismissed Adil Rashid and Stuart Broad to complete his maiden five-wicket haul in Tests.

Overall, he needed less than five overs to pick up the 5-fer as England were all out for just 161. As soon as the innings ended, Pandya received praise from all quarters and Harbhajan also joined the bandwagon. The spinner, who is currently on commentary duty in England, took to Twitter to lavish praise on Pandya, writing:

“Great spell @hardikpandya7 first 5 wicket haul in test cricket.. wish you many more.. Go india ?? ????? “

Great spell @hardikpandya7 first 5 wicket haul in test cricket.. wish you many more.. Go india ?? ?????

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) August 19, 2018

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, England did not take long to take the remaining Indian wickets. It took the hosts less than 8 overs to claim the 4 wickets and wrap up the Indian innings on 329. As a result, India could add only 22 runs to their overnight total of 307 for 6.

Ravichandran Ashwin and Rishabh Pant started the proceedings with the bat. The off-spinner set the tone by hitting three boundaries in quick succession. However, Stuart Broad dealt a big blow to India’s hopes of scoring big by sending back Pant. The debutant could add only 2 runs to his overnight score before dragging one onto his stumps. In the next over, Broad sent back Ashwin.

James Anderson picked the last two wickets in the same over. Mohammed Shami was out slogging against the swing while  Jasprit Bumrah failed to get behind Anderson’s straight outswinger and was clean-bowled.