The wicketkeeper-batsman smashed 18 fours and six sixes in his blistering knock, which was his third Test century and his first in India. He shared a 222-run stand with Ravindra Jadeja, who was unbeaten on 83 at the close of play.
Pant’s counter-attacking innings changed the complexion of the game after India were reduced to 86 for 4 in the morning session. He took on the England bowlers with his trademark flair and aggression, hitting them all over the park. He reached his hundred in just 82 balls, the fastest by an Indian wicketkeeper in Tests.
Rain delays start and interrupts play several times
The start of the match was delayed by an hour due to rain and wet outfield. The toss was also delayed and India captain Rohit Sharma opted to bat first after winning it. He said he wanted to put runs on the board and put pressure on England, who had already lost the series 3-1.
However, India lost their openers early as James Anderson and Ollie Robinson struck in their first spells. KL Rahul was caught behind for 4, while Mayank Agarwal edged one to slip for 8. Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli then steadied the innings with a 50-run partnership, but both fell in quick succession before lunch.
Pujara was trapped lbw by Robinson for 24, while Kohli was caught at gully by Ben Stokes off Mark Wood for 28. India went to lunch at 97 for 4, with Pant and Jadeja at the crease.
The rain returned after lunch and play was stopped for more than two hours. When play resumed, Pant and Jadeja took charge and dominated the England bowlers. They scored at a brisk rate and added 117 runs in the second session, taking India to 214 for 4 at tea.
The final session was also interrupted by rain and bad light, but Pant and Jadeja continued their onslaught. Pant reached his century with a six off Moeen Ali, while Jadeja completed his fifty with a four off Wood. The duo took India past 300 and looked set for a big partnership, but Pant fell just before stumps.
He tried to hit Wood for another six, but holed out to long-on, where Anderson took a good catch. Pant walked off to a standing ovation from the crowd and his teammates. He had played a sensational innings that had put India in a commanding position.
India lost three more wickets in the last few overs, as Wood and Robinson picked up two each. Wood dismissed R Ashwin for 9 and Ishant Sharma for a duck, while Robinson removed Mohammed Siraj for 4 and Axar Patel for 5. Jadeja remained unbeaten on 83, with 11 fours and a six. He had played a crucial role in supporting Pant and keeping the scoreboard ticking.
England face uphill task to save the match and avoid series defeat
England will have to bowl out India quickly on day two and bat well in their first innings to have any chance of saving the match and avoiding a 4-1 series defeat. They have already lost the World Test Championship points and the Anthony de Mello Trophy, but they will hope to end the tour on a positive note.
England captain Joe Root said he was disappointed with the way his bowlers bowled in the second and third sessions. He said they did not execute their plans well and allowed Pant and Jadeja to get away. He praised Pant for his brilliant innings and said he was one of the best players in the world.
Root said he hoped the weather would improve and his team would show some fight and character on day two. He said he was confident that his batsmen could score runs on this pitch, which had some bounce and carry for the seamers and some turn for the spinners.
The weather forecast for the next four days is not very promising, with rain and thunderstorms expected. The match officials will try to make up for the lost time by starting early and extending the play, but there is a possibility of a draw if the rain persists.
