In a big blow to India’s Test team wicketkeeper, Rishabh Pant, who retired hurt on the first day of the Manchester Test, has been advised six weeks’ rest as his toe is fractured.
In the 68th over of India’s innings, Pant, batting on 37, tried a pre-determined reverse sweep against pacer Chris Woakes but missed, taking a hit on his right boot. The ball hit the boot after taking an inside edge.
With one man short in the playing XI, the Indian team management had asked the medical team to check if Pant can bat after taking a painkiller in need.
However, it has been learnt that Pant will not travel to the ground for the second day’s play on Thursday after the medical team advised him not to put further pressure on the fractured toe.
Meanwhile, the selection committee will add Ishan Kishan to the squad ahead of the fifth Test, as Pant won’t be part of the final Test match, which will be played from July 31st to August 4th at The Oval. India is already experiencing an injury crisis with all-rounder Nitesh Kumar Reddy (knee) out of the series and fast bowlers Akash Deep (groin) and Arshdeep Singh (thumb) not available for the fourth Test.
Pant’s injury meant that he retired hurt on 37, with Rabindra Jadeja replacing him out on the field. India soon lost the well-set Sai Sudharsan before Jadeja and Shardul Thakur saw off the day, taking India to 264 for four at stumps.
