With excitement growing for the second match between India and England at Edgbaston, England captain Ben Stokes has lauded Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, describing him as a "very dangerous player" and admitting he "absolutely loves watching him play cricket."

One of the highlights of the first test at Leeds, which Pant ignited with two amazing centuries — 134 in the first innings and 118 in the second — was his performance, even if India ultimately lost. England achieved a record chase of 371, winning by five wickets to gain a 1-0 advantage in the series.

In an interview with the media before Wednesday's second Test, Stokes praised Pant's bravery and innate talent.

"I really enjoy seeing Rishabh Pant play cricket. I love the way he approaches it in all forms of the game," Stokes said. "He has got a bit of stick in his time, but that type of talent, when you let that type of talent be free, that is what can happen, you know, like last week."

Stokes and Pant engaged in an intriguing struggle, particularly during the first innings, when the left-hander was able to keep up with Stokes' attempts to trick him with various variations. Indeed, Pant began his second ball by sprinting toward the England captain in the first innings and hitting a boundary off Stokes. In awe, Stokes could only chuckle.

Ben Stokes: "Rishabh Pant will give us opportunities."

Stokes admitted that Pant's style of play offers chances for the opposition, despite Pant's heroics.

Credit to him, there were 200 in the game. The way Rishabh plays, we know we're going to have opportunities. It might have looked a little bit different if one of those shots had gone right into a hand on a different day, he said. "However, he is a really hazardous player." We are aware of his contributions to the Indian squad. I find him to be quite fun to observe.

Pant's offensive instincts—a quality that has made the Indian left-hander a crowd favorite and a game-changer across formats—seemed to be appreciated by the England captain, who is renowned for his own aggressive style.

Stokes didn't seem alarmed by the fact that Jasprit Bumrah's participation in the full series was in doubt, and he responded to the question of how it would impact England's strategy by saying, "It doesn't."

"That's India's problem to solve." I lead the England team. India should determine for itself what it wants to do and what it wants to express in public," he replied, maintaining the concentration on his own side.

The team that won in Leeds remained unchanged as England revealed their starting lineup for the second Test. The XI's top three batsmen are Ollie Pope, Joe Root, and Harry Brook, with Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley starting things off. Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and Shoaib Bashir complete the bowling assault, while Jamie Smith maintains the gloves.

Second Test between India and England:

Zak Crawley

Ben Duckett

Ollie Pope

Joe Root

Harry Brook

Ben Stokes (c)

Jamie Smith (wk)

Chris Woakes

Brydon Carse

Josh Tongue

Shoaib Bashir

With England hoping to increase their series lead and India aiming to rebound, the second Test begins on Wednesday at Edgbaston.