India’s star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was forced to retire hurt during the 4th Test against England in Manchester after sustaining a painful ankle injury, with Ravindra Jadeja stepping in as his temporary replacement.
Pant’s Painful Exit
The unfortunate incident unfolded in the 68th over of India’s innings. Rishabh Pant, attempting a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes, was struck flush on his ankle. The blow sent him to the ground immediately, prompting medical attention on the field.
His foot quickly swelled, and the severity of the injury was evident as Pant couldn’t walk off unassisted. He required a small vehicle to be taken off the field, ending his innings prematurely on 37 runs.
A Recurring Concern
This injury marks a fresh concern for Pant, who had also suffered a thumb injury in the previous Test at Manchester. In that instance, he had to leave the field and did not take up wicketkeeping duties, though he still managed to bat in both innings.
The repeated blows raise questions about his fitness and resilience in what has been a physically demanding series.
England Fights Back on Day One
Beyond Pant’s injury, the opening day of the 4th Test saw England mount a strong comeback in the afternoon session. After India began confidently, the hosts clawed their way back into contention, leaving the tourists at 149-3 at tea.
Crucial Wickets Fall for India
India resumed after lunch at 78-0, but England’s veteran bowler Chris Woakes provided the much-needed breakthrough, getting KL Rahul caught just four runs shy of his half-century.
Youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal went on to register his 12th Test fifty since his debut in July 2023, showcasing his consistent form. However, he too fell shortly after on 58, edging to Zak Crawley off spinner Liam Dawson, who claimed his first Test wicket in eight years.
The biggest wicket before tea was that of India skipper Shubman Gill, who was trapped leg before wicket by England captain Ben Stokes for just 12 runs. Gill, who has three centuries this series, has struggled in his last three innings, managing only 34 runs.
Stokes’ Bold Gamble
Adding another twist to this thrilling series, England captain Ben Stokes made a surprising decision at the toss, electing to bowl first. This move defied historical precedent at Old Trafford, where no team winning the toss and bowling first has ever gone on to win a Test match.
With India leading the five-Test series 2-1, Stokes’ risk-taking approach underscores England’s determination to level the series.
- Rishabh Pant retired hurt on 37 after being struck on the ankle.
- Ravindra Jadeja replaced Pant on the field.
- England took three key wickets in the afternoon session on Day 1.
- KL Rahul (46), Yashasvi Jaiswal (58), and Shubman Gill (12) were the dismissed Indian batsmen.
- England captain Ben Stokes chose to bowl first at Old Trafford, a statistically rare decision.
As the match progresses, all eyes will be on the severity of Pant’s injury and how it might impact India’s strategy for the remainder of the Test.
