The crowd gave India’s vice-captain, Rishabh Pant, a standing ovation when he was bowled by Jofra Archer in the fourth Test at Old Trafford. After a broken right foot forced him to leave the field on day one with 37 runs, he came back to bat on the second day. He fought through the pain and scored 54 runs from 75 balls.
Pant’s injury happened on the first day of the match, in the second session. He tried a bold reverse scoop shot against Chris Woakes but missed the ball, which then hit his right foot in a bad way. He was in clear pain and found it hard to stand. They had to take him off the field and he was later moved in an ambulance. Medical checks confirmed he had a broken foot and was told to rest for six to eight weeks.
The star player returned to bat on the second day, despite being seriously injured. He limped all the way from the pavilion and got a big welcome from the fans in the stadium. His effort was so important as he added very useful runs to India’s score. He made 54 runs, hitting three fours and two sixes. One of his sixes also matched Virender Sehwag’s record for the most sixes by an Indian batter in Test cricket.
The Haridwar-born cricketer was eventually dismissed by Archer in the 113th over. 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’s innings was wrapped up scoring 358 runs, showing how quickly the team led by Ben Stokes finished the game after the bigwicket fell. India got a good start by their openers, Sai Sudharsan (61) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) For England, the star bowler was captain Stokes, who took five for 72, and Archer chipped in with three.
Dhruv Jurel will wear the gloves for the rest of the game since Pant is unable to go the field 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.
