India's wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant was taken for medical scans after suffering an injury to his right foot while batting on the opening day of the fourth Test match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Old Trafford, Manchester, on Wednesday.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the development and said that its team of doctors is keeping a close eye on Pant's health.
"Rishabh Pant was struck on his right foot while batting during the Manchester Test Day 1. He was taken for scanning from the stadium. The BCCI Medical Team is keeping an eye on his progress," was a
statement from the board on social media site X.
The accident took place during the 68th over of the Indian innings when Pant tried a reverse sweep off England fast bowler Chris Woakes. Unfortunately, the shot had a bottom edge that rebounded on to his right foot. Even though England failed in their review of the lbw appeal, it was apparent that Pant was in a lot of pain. India's physio Kamlesh Jain rushed over to administer medical care, and a drinks break was called as Pant was given on-field treatment.
A swelling of visible size—allegedly the shape of a table tennis ball—formed on the top of Pant's foot, with bleeding, making him incapable of standing or walking independently. He was helped off the ground on a golf cart-style ambulance, clearly winching in agony. He had made 37 runs off 48 balls and was engaged in a crucial 72-run stand with B. Sai Sudharsan at that point.
Ravindra Jadeja took Pant's place at the crease after his early exit. Considering the nature of the injury and the look on Pant's face as he walked off, there are increasing doubts in the Indian camp about his fitness for the rest of the match—and maybe the series.
Earlier in the series, when Pant received a blow on his left finger while wicket-keeping during the third Test at Lord's, Dhruv Jurel replaced him as the stand-in wicketkeeper. In spite of that, Pant continued to contribute with the bat, registering 74 and 9 in the match.
If Pant's injury were minor and the swelling would subside, he remains in line to resume his innings according to the playing rules of the International Cricket Council. Under Section 25.4 of the ICC Playing Conditions:
A batter can retire at any moment of his innings when the ball is dead. Umpires, prior to letting play go on, shall be notified of the cause for a batter retiring. In case a batter retires due to illness, injury, or any other unavoidable reason, such a batter shall be allowed to continue his innings.
India would be looking for good news from the scan reports with Pant playing a crucial role behind the wickets and in the middle order.
