Following his dismissal by Jofra Archer during the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, India vice-captain Rishabh Pant returned to the pavilion to a thunderous standing ovation. After being pulled out on 37 on the first day of the current match against England, he came out to bat again on the second day, scoring 54 off 75 balls while suffering through discomfort from a fractured right foot.
The ball landed awkwardly on his right foot after he botched his attempt at an ambitious reverse scoop off Chris Woakes. After struggling to stand and flinching in agony, he had to be removed from the pitch and placed in an ambulance. He was prescribed six to eight weeks of rest after medical checks revealed that he had fractured his foot.
The renowned cricket player batted again the following morning in the opening session of Day 2, despite the extent of the injury. The fans at the stadium gave him a hearty greeting as he stumbled down from the pavilion. He contributed significant runs to India’s total, making his effort extremely important. He equalled Virender Sehwag’s record for the most sixes by an Indian hitter in Test cricket with his 54-run performance, which included three boundaries and two sixes.
During the second session of India’s first innings on Day 1, Pant sustained an injury.
In the 113th over, Archer finally dismissed the player from Haridwar. Bowling from near the wicket, Archer hit a length ball that seamed away after angling in. Pant lost his stumps after being beaten by the movement while attempting to defend against the crease. After displaying incredible bravery under duress, he walked back.
India was bowled out for 358 in their opening innings, demonstrating how quickly the Ben Stokes-led team finished after his dismissal. With their calm knocks, openers Sai Sudharsan (61) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) established a strong platform. With five wickets for 72, England’s skipper Stokes was in the lead with the ball, and Archer provided solid support with three wickets.
Dhruv Jurel will wear the gloves for the rest of the game since Pant is unable to take the pitch to keep wickets. Notably, the 26-year-old will only bat in the current match in Manchester if necessary and has also been ruled out of the fifth Test.
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