India National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Match Scorecard: India vice-captain Rishabh Pant’s availability for Day 2 of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford remains highly doubtful after he suffered a toe injury and retired hurt on the opening day. Pant was batting fluently on 37 when he attempted a reverse sweep and missed the ball. It took an inside edge and struck his toe hard. He fell to the ground in visible pain and was unable to put any pressure on the injured foot. Team physios rushed to his aid as close visuals showed bleeding and swelling around the toe. He was later carried off the field on a buggy and sent for scans.
The scan report confirmed a fracture in his toe, and he has been ruled out for at least six weeks, a BCCI source told The Indian Express. "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," the source said.
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According to rules, backup wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel can take over duties behind the stumps but cannot replace Pant in the batting order. Despite the injury, the team management is reportedly hoping Pant can return to bat if absolutely necessary. However, given the severity of the fracture, the possibility is slim. Pant has been one of India's top performers in the series, scoring over 400 runs. His absence would be a major setback.
Meanwhile, the selectors are likely to bring in Ishan Kishan for the fifth and final Test as Pant’s replacement.
India National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Match Scorecard: On Day 1, India ended at 264 for 4 after 83 overs, with solid contributions from Yashasvi Jaiswal (58), Sai Sudharsan (61) and Rishabh Pant (37* retired hurt).
England v India Day 1 Highlights:
