India had a mixed day one in Manchester. Rishabh Pant gave the fans a reason to cheer with a world record but just when he looked set to take off, injury struck again. Now his comeback is in doubt.
Rishabh Pant became the first wicketkeeper in Test history to score over 1000 runs in an away country. He broke his own record of 879 runs in Australia.
He was batting on 37 off 48 and looked good. But while trying a reverse shot off Chris Woakes, the ball hit him on the right foot. He was in visible pain and blood stains on his boot added to the worry.
Pant had to be taken off the field on a golf cart. This happened just weeks after he returned from a finger injury in the Lord’s Test.
After the day’s play, Sai Sudharsan spoke in the press conference. His words were:
“Oh, he was in a lot of pain and he’s now at the hospital taking scans. We’ll know about the update probably soon. If he’s not coming back in this match, it’s obviously a blow but the other batters are also ready to do their part.”
Sai who replaced Karun Nair in this match scored a fighting 61 off 151 and batted well under pressure.
India finished the day at 264 for 4. The openers gave India their best start of the series.
Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 58.
KL Rahul made 46.
The duo added 94 runs for the first wicket.
Sai Sudharsan added 61 but fell to a short ball.
At stumps Jadeja (19)* and Shardul (19)* were at the crease.
Shubman Gill (12) failed again and was bowled by Stokes.
Pant’s injury is a big blow for India. He brings balance both with the bat and behind the stumps. His ability to counterattack in pressure moments is rare.
If he doesn’t come back in this match India will miss that spark. Also who keeps wickets now?
India did well to reach 264 but they will be hoping for good news on Pant.
