Dhruv Jurel said batting with Rishabh Pant is a valuable experience, but made it clear that he does not try to imitate Pant’s method in the middle. The two put on 112 runs off 152 balls to push India firmly into control against Sri Lanka by the end of Day 2 of the Colombo Test.
Jurel moved through the day in his usual calm manner, while Pant played with the aggression that has long defined him. Pant made 63 off 89 balls, with six fours and two sixes, before India finished on 503 and left Sri Lanka struggling at 8 for 2 at stumps.
SL vs IND 2nd Test Day 2: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD
Speaking after play, Jurel said he turns to Pant for guidance when situations tighten.
“We all know Pant is such a terrific player and what he has done for India in Australia and England. So, whenever he is in, I only seek his advice, because he has so much experience. So, I always ask him for advice as, what I should do in a particular situation,” Jurel said.
Mackerel, who brought up his second Test hundred in the inningssaid his own approach is different. He only began to attack after reaching three figures and said Test cricket allows room for contrasting methods.
“As you can see, Test cricket has different ways of playing, and it makes the game beautiful. When you play with Pant, it’s a very terrific experience. I can’t play like him, the way he has been playing since childhood.
“My game plan is to see which bowler should I take down, which spell should I play, and I always ask Pant because he is a wicketkeeper, I am a wicketkeeper, and we play in the middle order, so it’s a very good experience.”
WILL PANT PLAY REMAINDER OF COLOMBO TEST?
That remains a point of attention after Pant took a blow to his right shoulder during the match. He had to retire hurt on Day 1 before returning to bat, and he did not keep wicket towards the end of Day 2, with Jurel taking over behind the stumps.
Jurel said Pant’s shoulder was being closely monitored, but added that he expected him to be available on Day 3. “Right now, he got a hit on his right shoulder, and we are closely monitoring him. Today I did wicketkeeping, because his shoulder was a little bad. Hopefully, I think he will be fit tomorrow,” he said.
For now, India are in charge. Jurel’s hundred, Pant’s counter-attacking 63 and their 112-run stand have given the visitors a commanding position, even as Pant’s fitness remains under watch ahead of Day 3.
– Ends
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