Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has revealed the secret of his superb spell. Pandya was able to scalp his first fifer in the red ball version as he took five for 28 in his dream spell. The right-hander pitched the ball up. Thus, he was able to get the purchase from the surface.
Hardik Pandya was able to get the ball in the right areas as put on an exhibition of fine out-swinging deliveries. India was wayward with the ball in the first session of Day 2. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami were not able to get the ball in the corridor of uncertainty. Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin was suffering from a hip injury.
Hardik Pandya was breathing fire with the ball.
Thus, the onus was on Hardik Pandya and Ishant Sharma to deliver with the ball.
Hardik Pandya said while talking to KL Rahul on BCCI.TV, “I wasn’t thinking much, I was just focussing on the right things. As a bowling unit, we had some plans. We just wanted to come and be there, let’s see what happens. We pitched in the right areas and got some help. You were (KL Rahul) were amazing in the slips as well”.
Hardik Pandya also revealed he discussed his plans with the veteran fast bowler, Ishant Sharma.
Hardik went on add, “I ran up to Ishant Sharma and told him that we have to keep it tight. Even I was disappointed with the runs which went in the opening session. So I told him that let’s not get ahead of ourselves, keep it tight, let’s see what happens. If something happens then we look forward, otherwise, we wait for the right things to happen”.
Hardik Pandya was right on the money with his length and got the ball to move away. Thus, he was able to breathe down the neck of England batsmen.
India is in a dominating position as they are currently leading by 292 runs and have eight wickets in hand.
