Rishabh Pant, India’s vice-captain, returned to the pavilion to a standing ovation after being bowled by Jofra Archer during the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester. He fought through agony from a fractured right foot and scored 54 off 75 balls, returning to bat on the second day after being retired out on 37 on the first day of the current match against England.
Rishabh Pant’s injury occurred on Day 1 during the second session of India’s first innings.
He attempted an audacious reverse scoop off Chris Woakes but missed the ball, which landed awkwardly on his right foot. He winced in pain and struggled to stand, necessitating his removal from the pitch and subsequent transport by ambulance. Medical investigations showed that he had fractured his foot, and he was recommended to rest for six to eight weeks.
Despite the seriousness of his injury, the great player returned to bat the following morning in the opening session of Day 2. He hobbled down while hobbling from the pavilion, where he was greeted warmly by the fans. His contribution was significant, as he provided valuable runs to India’s total. His 54-run innings featured three boundaries and two sixes, one of which helped him tie Virender Sehwag’s record for the most sixes by an Indian batsman in Test cricket.
The Haridwar-born cricketer eventually fell to Archer in the 113th over. Archer, bowling from around the wicket, delivered a length ball that angled in and then seamed away. Pant, trying to defend from the crease, was beaten by the movement and lost his stumps. He walked back, having shown remarkable courage under pressure.
Following his dismissal, it did not take long for the Ben Stokes-led side to wrap things up, as India were bowled out for 358 in their first innings. The opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) and Sai Sudharsan (61) laid a solid foundation with their composed knocks. For England, captain Stokes led with the ball, taking 5 for 72, while Archer supported well with three wickets.
With Pant unable to take the field for wicketkeeping duties, Dhruv Jurel will don the gloves for the remainder of the match. Notably, the 26-year-old also ruled out of the fifth Test, and will bat only if needed in the ongoing game in Manchester.
India
