Team India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant mimicked the signature celebration of famous English footballer Dele Alli after reaching his brilliant century on Day 4 of the first Test against England. The match took place at Headingley in Leeds on Monday, June 23.
Images shared on social media showed the left-hander performing the distinctive gesture made popular by the English midfielder. Pant brought up his hundred in the 70th over with a cut shot off Shoaib Bashir. Unlike his first-innings somersault celebration, this time the southpaw chose to imitate Dele Alli’s iconic celebration.
Rishabh Pant bringing out the Dele Alli celebration pic.twitter.com/78kbVJLGhG
— RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) June 23, 2025
Pant began aggressively and survived an early LBW scare due to an inside edge, costing England a review. He scored his fourth Test century in England and became the first Indian wicketkeeper to hit twin tons in a Test. He was eventually dismissed for 118 by Shoaib Bashir.
India’s Top Order Delivers As Pant And Rahul Slam Hundreds, But Lower Order Crumbles
Despite brilliant centuries from Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul, India couldn’t fully build on their momentum to put the game beyond England’s reach. The duo added a commanding 195-run partnership that had England on the back foot. However, the tide turned sharply once Rahul fell for 137.
Apart from brief contributions by Karun Nair (20) and Ravindra Jadeja (25*), the lower order offered little resistance. The tail once again collapsed, with Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue claiming three wickets each, Ben Stokes taking two, and Bashir and Chris Woakes chipping in with one apiece. England were left with a steep target of 371 to chase.
Earlier, the hosts had posted 465 in their first innings in response to India’s 471, thanks to strong performances from Ollie Pope (106) and Harry Brook (99). With the match heading into the final day, England will hope for similar efforts. Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett gave a steady start, taking the score to 21 without loss in six overs by stumps on Day 4.
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