India suffered a big setback on Day 1 of the fourth Test against England as Rishabh Pant had to retire hurt after injuring himself during his innings. Pant walked in to bat after Shubman Gill’s dismissal and looked in great rhythm, building a solid 72-run partnership with Sai Sudharsan.
However, the momentum was halted in the 68th over. Pant attempted a reverse sweep, but the ball deflected off the under-edge of his bat and struck his right toe hard. He was clearly in severe pain and had to be taken to the medical centre for scans.
England legend Nasser Hussain, speaking on Sky Sports, said that it was India’s day except for Pant’s injury. He stressed how important Pant is for the series.
“It has been India’s day – except for the injury to Pant. That is a big blow and it will be interesting what we hear overnight about that. Hopefully he is okay. This game needs Pant and the series has been blessed by having him in it. Both sets of fans cheered him today when he came out to bat.”
Former pacer Stuart Broad also expressed his concern and praised Pant’s impact.
“Pant has been wonderful to watch and commentate on. He’swonderful for world cricket, and we hope he recovers. The medical staff will be icing that swelling all night, and hopefully it’s just a bruise and he can come out to bat.”
Pant was unbeaten on 37 runs off 48 balls, which included two fours and a six, when he walked off injured. At stumps, India stood at 264/4 after 83 overs.
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