Injured Pant Shows Grit, Bats on Day 2 Despite Toe Fracture

Rishabh Pant displayed remarkable resilience by walking out to bat on Day 2 of the fourth Test against England in Manchester, despite suffering a fractured right toe.

Pant had to be helped to get off the field on the opening day. © Getty

The Indian wicket-keeper batsman had sustained the injury on the opening day while attempting a reverse sweep. The BCCI confirmed that Pant would not be keeping wickets for the remainder of the Test, with Dhruv Jurel replacing him in that role. However, the team management indicated that Pant would be available to bat if required.

Following the dismissal of Shardul Thakur on Day 2, Pant emerged to bat, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd. He faced seven balls, scoring a single run before rain interrupted play and forced an early lunch.

After lunch, Pant continued his innings, showcasing his aggressive intent by hitting a six over deep mid-wicket off Jofra Archer. He then reached his half-century with a boundary through the covers. Despite England's bowlers targeting his injured foot, Pant battled on, eventually falling to Archer for 54 in a dismissal mirroring his Lord's dismissal in the second innings. His courageous innings ended as he was bowled, but he made his way back to the pavilion with determination.

The injury occurred on Day 1 when Pant was struck on his right foot while attempting a reverse sweep against Chris Woakes. Although an LBW appeal was turned down after replays showed an inside edge, Pant was unable to continue batting and had to be taken off the field in a buggy.

Scans later revealed the fracture. Despite the injury, Pant has remained with the team. The fracture is expected to sideline him for approximately two months, ruling him out of several upcoming international fixtures, including a potential series in Sri Lanka and the Asia Cup. His return could potentially be in the home Test series against the West Indies in October, or the tour of Australia later that month.

Pant's injury adds to India's growing list of fitness concerns. Fast bowlers Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh were previously ruled out due to groin and finger injuries respectively, leading to a debut for Anshul Kamboj.

Pant had also suffered a finger injury in the previous Test, preventing him from keeping wickets. This latest setback is a significant blow to India as they aim to level the series against England, who currently lead 2-1.