India are facing a nervous wait after star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant suffered a foot injury that could significantly impact the outcome of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford.
Pant was visibly in pain after inside-edging a yorker from Chris Woakes onto his right foot during a counter-attacking innings. The blow caused immediate swelling and bruising, prompting on-field treatment and an eventual ride off the field via medical buggy.
Teammate Sai Sudharsan, who top-scored for India with 61 not out and was batting at the other end when the injury occurred, acknowledged Pant’s discomfort.
“He was clearly in a lot of pain,” Sudharsan said during the post-play press conference. “He was playing really well. If he doesn’t return, it’ll definitely impact the match. But we’ll do our best to bat deep and make up for it.”
Pant had looked in excellent touch, reviving India’s innings after an early collapse. Having been sent in to bat by England’s Ben Stokes, India had slipped from 94 without loss to 140 for 3 before Pant unleashed a flurry of attacking strokes—including a slog-swept four off Jofra Archer and a clean six down the ground off Brydon Carse.
His injury leaves serious doubt over both his availability to resume batting and his ability to keep wickets later in the match. Pant has been a vital figure for India throughout the series, scoring 462 runs at an average of 77.
With India trailing 2-1 in the five-match series, the pressure is mounting—and Pant’s potential absence could be a major blow to their hopes of forcing a decider.
Dawson Grateful for Surprise Test Comeback
England spinner Liam Dawson, playing his first Test match in eight years, expressed concern for Pant’s wellbeing.
“It didn’t look good at all. Hopefully it’s nothing too serious, but it’s hard to see him playing much more in this game,” Dawson commented.
The 35-year-old, recalled after Shoaib Bashir was ruled out with a finger injury, made an immediate impact by dismissing India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal for 58—his first Test wicket since removing Hashim Amla in 2016.
“I honestly thought my Test career was over,” Dawson admitted. “At my age, you don’t expect these chances again. It’s really special to be back, and I just want to enjoy every moment.”
Though he played down his own performance—finishing the day with 1 for 45 from 15 overs—Dawson said he believes he’s a more complete bowler now than during his previous Test stint.
“Hopefully I can pick up a few more wickets in the coming days,” he added.
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