ENG vs IND | AB de Villiers hails Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja's partnership as one of the best in Tests

Indian batsmen Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja's 222-run stand against England in the one-off Test on Day 1 took the cricketing world by storm. The pair joined forces with the visitors, reeling at 98 for 5, after being put in to bat by English skipper Ben Stokes.

Former South African legend AB de Villiers has praised the pair for their partnership, which shifted all the attention away from England's 'Bazball' style of play.

Taking to the social media platform Twitter, de Villiers wrote, "Haven't been home and missed most of the Cricket action. Finished watching the highlights now. That counterattack partnership from @RishabhPant17 and @imjadeja is right up there with the best I've ever seen in Test Cricket!".

Pant notched up his fifth Test ton, second on English soil, while Jadeja registered his first Test hundred away from home and third overall.

The pair ensured India reached a sizeable total of 416 in 84.5 overs before bundling out England for 284 in 61.3 overs on Day 3, where Jonny Bairstow scored his third consecutive hundred. 

Mohammad Siraj was the pick of Indian bowlers with four wickets, even though he was a tad expensive.

The visitors are 123 for 3 in their second innings, with Cheteshwar Pujara and Pant in the middle. India are currently leading by 257 runs at the close of play on Day 3.

Pujara survived some hostile bowling to remain unbeaten on 50 off 139, with Pant adopting a more level-headed approach during his 30-run knock.

Day 4 is expected to produce some high-class cricket with no predicted rain. India will look to extend their lead past the 400-run mark, given England's ability to chase massive totals off late.

With Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shardul Thakur sitting in the stands, the Rahul Dravid-coached side will back themselves to achieve a significant target.