Rishabh Pant showed remarkable determination, walking out to bat (with a fractured foot) on Day 2 of the fourth India-England Test at Old Trafford, Manchester.
As India searched for momentum in the first innings, Pant’s brave presence was met with roars from the crowd. India would be on 321 for 6 at lunch on Day 2 after a tough, gritty display from the lower-order and Pant’s courageous display to help support the team.
Jofra Archer and Woakes Threaten Early
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The day started on a good note for England as Jofra Archer provided a perfect beginning by sending Ravindra Jadeja back in his first over. Archer and Chris Woakes, having the second new ball, created sustained pressure, creating 12 wicket-taking opportunities in the first 12 overs. But none of them materialized into success, as edges failed to reach the keeper or fell short by a fraction of an inch.
Thakur and Sundar Show Lower-Order Resilience
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Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar displayed excellent poise to stabilize India’s innings. Thakur contributed a precious 41 off 88 balls, while the pair put on 48 runs for the sixth wicket, exhibiting India’s enhanced lower-order resilience. Their partnership was instrumental in denying England’s bowlers, who were threatening without being able to find the finishing touch.
Pant Walks Out with Applause Echoing Old Trafford
After Ben Stokes removed Thakur in the 102nd over, England thought they at least had a sniffer at the tail. Enter the sight that instigated everything, Rishabh Pant, clearly limping and taking tentative strides, stepped out from the dressing room.
Pant walked onto the field in a moonboot, holding onto the railing, clearly in agony, but single-minded in his convictions. His arrival was greeted with a majestic ovation as the Old Trafford crowd rose to appreciate his dedication.
Pant’s Short but Symbolic Stay at the Crease
Although Rishabh Pant was struggling with mobility, frequently hobbling for singles, his very presence was a massive morale booster. He was uncomfortable but determined to remain at the crease.
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