India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will be seen batting in the Manchester Test despite having sustained a serious injury on Day 1. It had been announced earlier on Thursday that the 27-year-old had been ruled out of the remainder of the series after fracturing his right toe during the first day.
While he was batting on 37, the wicketkeeper-batter tried to hit a reverse-sweep off a delivery from Chris Woakes, however the ball ended up hitting his foot hard and saw him not even being able to stand properly. He was forced to retire hurt and was taken off the field on a golf cart.
He was straight away taken to a nearby hospital for scans and and once the report came out, Team India's worst fear was confirmed. The wicketkeeper-batter had fractured his toe after being hit by the delivery from Woakes and was advised to take six weeks of rest. This meant that not only would India be a man short while batting in the second innings, but also confirmed that Pant would not be able to participate in the fifth Test which is set to commence at the Oval from Julyu 31.
The scan report showed a fracture and he is ruled out for six weeks. The medical team is trying to see if he can come out to bat again by taking a pain killer. He still needs support to walk though and chances of his batting looks very bleak,” a BCCI source told The Indian Express.
Pant to bat in Manchester Test according to BCCI
However, all may not be lost for the Men in Blue as according to a latest update from BCCI, Pant has rejoined the team at Old Trafford despite his injury and will even be available to bat as per the team's requirements. Another major update that the cricket board gave about the 27-year-old was that he will not be keeping the wickets for the team in the fourth Test and in his place, Dhruv Jurel will be called in once again to fulfill the wicketkeeping duties.
Notably, Jurel had also kept the wickets for the visitors in the fourth match where Pant had injured his left index finger and thus, had failed to fulfill his wicketkeeping duties. It remains to be seen on what number will Pant will step out to bat or not in the Manchester Test.
ADVERTISEMENT