Pant Injured During Fourth Test Against England

Manchester: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) provided an update Thursday regarding Rishabh Pant’s injury to his right foot, sustained on day one of the fourth Test match against England at Old Trafford.

Pant, while attempting a reverse sweep against England’s Chris Woakes, was hit on the foot, leading to his retirement at 37 runs. He left the field in apparent discomfort, aided by a golf buggy.

Medical assessments have revealed a metatarsal fracture in his right foot, preventing him from continuing his wicketkeeping duties for the remainder of the game.

The BCCI has confirmed that Dhruv Jurel will assume the role of wicketkeeper.

Despite the injury, Pant joined the team on the second day and may still bat in the second innings, depending on the team’s needs and the medical team’s advice.

Early reports suggested that Pant would be absent for the rest of the Manchester Test and the fifth Test at The Oval, commencing July 31.

The BCCI has not yet formally confirmed his participation in the final match.

Social media footage showed Pant wearing a moon boot on his right leg outside the team hotel in Manchester, increasing concerns about the seriousness of the injury.

Reportedly, team captain Shubman Gill visited Pant at the stadium’s medical facility before he was transported to a local hospital for scans.

This marks Pant’s second consecutive match with an injury. He previously sustained a blow to his left index finger while wicketkeeping during England’s first innings at Lord’s.

Dhruv Jurel, who substituted for him previously, is slated to resume wicketkeeping duties in Manchester.

Pant’s first-innings score of 37 from 48 balls included both aggressive and careful play, highlighted by a forceful slog sweep for four off Jofra Archer, just before the reverse sweep that caused his injury.

India is currently behind in the five-match series 2-1. The fourth Test commenced on July 23 in Manchester, and the final Test is scheduled from July 31 to August 4 at The Oval.