There was a collective sigh of relief among Indian fans at Lord’s on Day 2 of the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy third Test when Rishabh Pant was spotted heading toward the nets — bat in hand, pads strapped, and gloves on. The sight of the flamboyant wicketkeeper-batter, even in evident discomfort, gave a glimmer of hope to those wondering whether he would be fit to take the field again.
IND Vs ENG, 3rd Test: Rishabh Pant's Grit Shines Through At Lord’s Amid Injury Concern
IND Vs ENG, 3rd Test: Rishabh Pant had injured his left index finger on Day 1 during the second session, when he attempted to stop a Jasprit Bumrah delivery down the leg side to Ollie Pope. The ball struck him on the fingertips as he dived, and he grimaced in pain, needing immediate attention from the physio
Pant had injured his left index finger on Day 1 during the second session, when he attempted to stop a Jasprit Bumrah delivery down the leg side to Ollie Pope. The ball struck him on the fingertips as he dived, and he grimaced in pain, needing immediate attention from the physio.
Though he soldiered on for the remainder of the over, he was clearly in discomfort and soon walked off for further treatment. His fingers were heavily taped, and doubts lingered about his fitness moving forward.
With India bowling out England for 387 early on Day 2, Pant walked out to the nets behind the Nursery End, accompanied by batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, physio Yogesh Pamar, and the team’s throwdown specialists. The short session lasted about 15 minutes, but it said volumes about Pant’s intent.
He came out to bat in the last hours of the second day after skipper Shubman Gill was removed by Chris Woakes. He was vissibly in pain while batting and also nursed by physio after a low full-toss delivery hit straight onto his lower part of the bat with surface tension giving pain to his injured finger.
Though in pain, Rishabh swept Shoaib Bashir for two boundaries through the square leg and ended Day 2 on 19 not out. On Day 3, in the second delivery he stepped out and cracked a maximum to Jofra Archer over cover.
He appeared to be psyching himself up through the pain, even muttering to himself at times. Every shot was followed by a quick inspection of the injured finger, with Pant often shaking his hand in frustration.
As for wicketkeeping duties, the BCCI confirmed that Dhruv Jurel would continue behind the stumps. A statement read, “Rishabh Pant is still recovering from the hit on his left index finger. The BCCI medical team continues to monitor his progress. Dhruv Jurel will continue to keep wickets on Day 2.”
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