Pant, who had retired hurt on 37 after taking a painful blow to his right foot on day one, returned to the crease amid warm applause from the crowd. Walking in with a visible limp, the Indian vice-captain defied discomfort to compile a gutsy 54 off 75 deliveries, holding the lower order together before becoming one of Ben Stokes' five victims
Rishabh Pant comes on to resume his innings after going off injured the previous day on day two (Pic: AFP)
Rishabh Pant once again put his resilience on display to the team's cause, scoring a gritty half-century despite nursing a fractured toe, as India were bowled out for 358 on the second day of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford on Thursday.
Pant, who had retired hurt on 37 after taking a painful blow to his right foot on day one, returned to the crease amid warm applause from the crowd. Walking in with a visible limp, the Indian vice-captain defied discomfort to compile a gutsy 54 off 75 deliveries, holding the lower order together before becoming one of Ben Stokes' five victims.
India, resuming the day at 264 for four, lost Ravindra Jadeja early. The left-hander edged a beautifully shaped outswinger from Jofra Archer in just the second over of the morning. Positioned at second slip, Harry Brook dived forward to take a sharp, low catch, handing England an ideal start.
Shardul Thakur (41) and Washington Sundar (27) offered resistance during a crucial 48-run partnership for the sixth wicket. The pair played watchfully against the new ball, which England had opted to take at the start of play. Their partnership was beginning to look threatening when Stokes, who had already been effective with the ball, produced a key breakthrough.
Thakur attempted to drive a rising delivery from Stokes, only to see Ben Duckett fling himself to his left at gully to pull off a spectacular diving catch. With Thakur gone, Sundar tried to extend the innings but was soon undone as England continued to chip away at the tail.
Pant’s return to the middle, despite his injury, provided India with both emotional and tactical support. He rotated the strike smartly, capitalised on loose deliveries, and shielded the tailenders whenever possible. His knock, though not flamboyant by his usual standards, was a study in grit and application under pressure.
Stokes was the standout performer with the ball, finishing with impressive figures of 5 for 72 in 27 overs, displaying excellent control and leadership in helpful bowling conditions.
India’s innings eventually folded for 358 in 114.1 overs, with notable contributions from Sai Sudharsan (61), Yashasvi Jaiswal (58), and Pant’s valiant 54.
Brief scores: India 1st innings – 358 all out in 114.1 overs (Sai Sudharsan 61, Yashasvi Jaiswal 58, Rishabh Pant 54, Shardul Thakur 41; Ben Stokes 5/72)
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