Overview

• Scans confirmed a fractured right metatarsal that ruled Pant out of keeping duties and sidelined him for up to six weeks.
• Despite medical advice to sit out, Pant hobbled to the crease on Day 2 and compiled a 54-run knock off 75 balls, earning a standing ovation at Old Trafford.
• India posted 358 in their first innings but remain 2–1 down in the five-match series and must dismiss England cheaply to stay in contention.
• Pant’s wicketkeeping absence and other injury setbacks have raised concerns over India’s batting depth and workload management.
• The incident has intensified calls for like-for-like injury substitutions in Test cricket to prevent teams from playing a batter short.