India’s vice-captain Rishabh Pant remained on the sidelines on the first day due to an injury. In the 68th over, bowled by Chris Woakes, Pant was hit on the right foot while going for a reverse-sweep. The full-length delivery hit him on the outside of his boot and left him in visible pain. After an LBW appeal by England followed by a DRS referral, the replay affirmed an inside edge off Pant’s bat.
Even before the third umpire could give his verdict, Pant was evidently in pain. He took off his gloves and hobbled around the crease, triggering immediate concern from the physio. During the drinks interval, the medical team took off his right boot, sock, and pads, and found swelling and a spot of blood on the outside of the foot. Unable to support his weight on it, Pant had to be taken from the field in a buggy, and a fresh batter was sent in.
Ravi Shastri On Rishabh Pant’s Injury
“Just seeing his face, grimacing there. He has a pain threshold that’s very high, and for him to be grimacing in pain in that fashion makes it very serious. It can only get worse overnight,” Shastri said on Sky Sports.
“When you get up in the morning, it can be really sore, no matter the amount of ice you put. He will be icing it through the night. Let’s hope it’s not a break or it’s not a crack,” he added.
“Doesn’t Look Good At All”: Says Ricky Ponting
“He hardly put his foot on the ground. He rolled around for 6-8 minutes before the golf cart came in. The immediate swelling was the worry for me. I’ve had a metatarsal injury myself, and they’re small, fragile bones,” said Ponting on Sky Sports.
“The fact that he couldn’t put any weight on it doesn’t look good at all. If it’s broken, he will be out of the game. If it’s not, then they will do anything they can to get him back out there. Hopefully, he doesn’t play any more reverse sweeps,” he added.
“Thinking about the situation of the game as well, Shardul has come out and played nicely, but with the way Rishabh plays and the momentum he brings to the Indian team, that is what they will potentially miss the most. Someone who can put the pressure on the opposition,” said Ponting.
“For Indian fans, keep fingers crossed and hope it is not as serious as it looks. If he is out of the remainder of the game, then that leaves a massive dent on India’s chance, not only in this game, but the remainder of the series,” he added.
