Can Pant Damage England Despite His Injury?
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Synopsis
In an unexpected turn during the fourth Test, India's Rishabh Pant, battling a fractured foot, continues to pose a threat to England. Former bowler Stuart Broad discusses Pant's potential impact on the game, emphasizing the unpredictability of his batting. Will Pant's determination lead India to a strong position?
Key Takeaways
- Rishabh Pant is showing incredible resilience despite his injury.
- The BCCI has appointed Dhruv Jurel as Pant's replacement for wicketkeeping duties.
- Stuart Broad highlights the unpredictable nature of Pant’s batting.
- England missed opportunities to take more wickets during the morning session.
- A score exceeding 350 is deemed advantageous for India.
Manchester, July 24 (NationPress) Former England bowler Stuart Broad stated that Rishabh Pant, the vice-captain of India, despite battling a fractured right foot, remains a substantial threat to the home team in the ongoing fourth Test at Old Trafford.
After suffering a fracture in the fifth metatarsal of his right foot on the first day of play, Pant surprised everyone by coming back to bat and finishing unbeaten on 39 at lunch on day two, with India sitting at 321/6 in 103 overs. It’s clear that Pant will not be keeping wickets, as the BCCI has named Dhruv Jurel as his substitute for those duties.
"This will be a fascinating phase of play because with Pant, there’s an element of unpredictability. He might not move well, but he possesses a remarkable talent to stand firm and strike the ball effectively," Broad commented.
"I’m sure we’ll see some sweeping shots and similar plays from him. England will be eager to dismiss him. Even though he’s at a disadvantage, he can still pose a threat," Broad remarked during the lunch broadcast on Sky Sports.
He also noted that England could have felt more satisfied with the morning session if they had taken four or five wickets. "There was plenty happening in the morning session, and England began excellently, particularly Archer, who took out Jadeja with a stunning delivery in his first over," he added.
"I wonder if England got a bit too wide after that. Given how much the new ball was moving, England must have believed that with the clouds in and lights on, they should have secured four or five wickets," Broad said.
Broad concluded by stating that a score exceeding 350 would be ideal for India. "Kudos to India for their performance. They are positioning themselves strongly. Anything over 350 will be a commendable score on this pitch, especially with talents like Bumrah and Siraj set to come in later this afternoon."
Point of View
It is important to appreciate the resilience displayed by Rishabh Pant amidst his injury. His determination to contribute to the team's success, even when facing physical limitations, highlights the spirit of cricket. The ongoing match reflects the unpredictability of the game, showcasing how individuals can rise to the occasion against all odds.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What injury is Rishabh Pant currently dealing with?
Rishabh Pant is battling a fractured right foot, specifically in the fifth metatarsal.
Who has replaced Pant as the wicketkeeper?
Dhruv Jurel has been named as the substitute wicketkeeper for Rishabh Pant.
What was Pant's score at lunch on day two?
Rishabh Pant was unbeaten on 39 runs at lunch on day two.
What did Stuart Broad say about Pant's batting?
Stuart Broad mentioned that despite Pant's injury, he possesses an amazing ability to strike the ball effectively.
What score does Broad consider ideal for India?
Stuart Broad believes that a score above 350 would be ideal for India in this match.
