The drama continued to unfold on Day 4 of the first Test at Headingley, as Rishabh Pant created a rare moment of surprise that left even seasoned campaigner Chris Woakes flummoxed. In the 32nd over of India’s second innings, the vice-captain pulled away from his stance just as Woakes was about to deliver the ball.
The England seamer had already entered his delivery stride, nearly releasing the ball when Pant unexpectedly stepped aside.The move caught everyone off guard—players, commentators, and even Pant himself, who appeared to realize the awkward timing of his action.
As soon as he stepped away, Pant raised his hand in apology and offered a cheerful, “Sorry, Woakesey.” Woakes managed a smile, but the brief tension and the unusual incident quickly made rounds on social media.
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Interestingly, Rishabh Pant’s antics seemed to spark a chain reaction. Just a few overs later, KL Rahul followed suit with a similar last-second pull-out, again just as Woakes was about to bowl. This time, the England pacer was visibly displeased and responded with a glare before walking back to his mark.
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KL Rahul tried to defuse the situation by gesturing toward the extra cover region, hinting at wind disturbance. However, it seemed Pant, at the non-striker’s end, may have played a subtle role in the timing, seen adjusting his grip right at that moment.
While mind games are nothing new in Test cricket, these repeated interruptions clearly irked Woakes and disrupted his rhythm. At the time, Rahul was holding steady at 59*, and Pant was on 18*.
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The day wasn’t without further drama. In the 33rd over, Pant nearly lost his wicket to Brydon Carse. Attempting an audacious scoop, he lost balance and fell, with the ball striking his pad. England went up in appeal, but the umpire was unmoved. Stokes opted for a review with just two seconds on the clock. Replays confirmed a faint edge before pad contact, meaning Pant survived and England lost a crucial review.
These moments, both humorous and tense, showcased not only Pant’s unpredictable nature but also India’s determination to disrupt England’s bowling flow. With tempers flaring and strategies evolving, Day 4 had all the ingredients of a gripping Test match.
