Manchester, July 24 (H.S.): India's vice-captain Rishabh Pant will miss the remainder of the Test series against England due to a confirmed fracture in the metatarsal bone of his right foot, sustained on the opening day of the fourth Test. The BCCI announced that Pant will not keep wicket but may bat as needed, with Dhruv Jurel taking over the wicketkeeping duties.

The injury occurred during the second session when Pant attempted a reverse sweep against Chris Woakes, resulting in visible pain and immediate swelling, leading to his retirement hurt at 37. He was transported off the ground in a golf buggy and later underwent scans revealing the fracture. Despite surviving an lbw appeal following the incident, his condition worsened, prompting further medical attention.

England's Liam Dawson commented on Pant's limited involvement for the remainder of the match, and B Sai Sudharsan confirmed Pant was in considerable pain. This injury marks Pant's second in consecutive Tests, with a previous finger injury sustained while keeping in Lord's first innings. BCCI has yet to officially confirm the fracture or announce a replacement for the fifth Test, though Ishan Kishan was the second wicketkeeper behind Jurel during prior unofficial Tests.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar