Pant Ruled Out of Remainder of Test Series Due to Fracture

MANCHESTER: India’s wicketkeeper-batsman and vice-captain, Rishabh Pant, will miss the rest of the ongoing fourth Test at Old Trafford and the final Test at The Oval next week. Scans have confirmed a fracture in his right foot.

The injury, a metatarsal fracture, occurred on the first day of the fourth Test when Pant attempted a reverse sweep off England’s Chris Woakes. The ball struck his right foot, causing him considerable pain. He had to retire hurt on 37 and was transported off the field.

Medical examinations verified the fracture, with an estimated recovery time of six to eight weeks. Fans spotted Pant wearing a moon boot on his right leg outside the team hotel in Manchester.

Pant will not be keeping wicket for the remainder of the Test. The team management and the BCCI medical team will decide whether he will bat in the second innings.

India’s captain, Shubman Gill, checked on Pant’s condition at the ground’s medical facility before he was taken to a local hospital for further assessment.

Spinner Liam Dawson commented after play, “I can’t see him [Pant] playing much more part in this game.” B Sai Sudharsan, who was at the non-striker’s end, noted, “Oh, he was in a lot of pain, definitely.”

This is Pant’s second injury in consecutive matches. He sustained a blow to his left index finger while keeping during England’s first innings at Lord’s.

Dhruv Jurel, who previously replaced Pant behind the stumps, is anticipated to resume wicketkeeping duties.

Pant’s 37 off 48 balls in the first innings included a slog sweep for four off Jofra Archer, followed by the reverse sweep that resulted in his injury.

England currently leads the five-match series 2-1. The fourth Test is underway in Manchester starting July 23, and the final Test will be held at The Oval from July 31 to August 4.