India’s injury troubles in the ongoing Test series against England got worse when star wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant injured his toe during the fourth Test in Manchester.
Read more: Standing Ovation for Rishabh Pant as He Returns to Bat with Broken Toe
Pant got hurt in the first innings after being hit on the toe by a delivery from England bowler Chris Woakes. The injury was serious enough that Pant could not keep wickets for the rest of the match. Later, it was confirmed that he had fractured his toe. As a result, Dhruv Jurel took over as the wicketkeeper.
Even though Pant is injured, he has been cleared to bat in the second innings. India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed on Saturday that “Rishabh Pant will bat tomorrow,” which means Pant will bat on Day 5.
Pant is expected to bat at number 5 or 6, and his performance could be very important as India tries to draw the match and stay alive in the series.
India is already facing many injury issues. Fast bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep are also ruled out due to injuries. Pant’s injury is another big blow.
However, India showed some fighting spirit on Day 4, with KL Rahul (87) and Shubman Gill (78)** putting up an unbeaten partnership. India ended the day at 174/2, still 137 runs behind England.
Now, all eyes will be on Rishabh Pant’s ability to bat despite his injury as India heads into a crucial final day at Old Trafford.
