Fractured Toe Puts Pant's Participation In Doubt

Rishabh Pant, who retired hurt on the opening day of the fourth Test in Manchester, has suffered a fracture in his right toe, an injury that could take up to two months to heal.

The Indian Vice Captain in the 68th over of the innings tried to reverse sweep a Chris Woakes delivery, which took the inside edge of the bat & hit full on Rishabh's right foot. At that Pant was batting on 37 off 48 balls when the incident occurred. Pant was seen in agonizing pain until he was carried off by a mini ambulance to get him off the ground.

Scans later confirmed a fracture, though Pant has not left the team camp. He is still unable to put any pressure on the injured foot, showing serious doubt over his availability for the remainder of the match. A source close to the batter stated that he can come out to bat if needed.

"At the moment he is not able to put pressure on his foot, but there is a possibility that he could come in to bat if needed, we all know him well, he has a fighting spirit, but a lot will depend on the medical advice & not just the intent."

The fracture has put doubts over his participation in the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka (If it gets cleared) & the Asia Cup (If it happens) as the batter has been advised a six week rest. His next possible series will be a home test series against the West Indies. If not fit in time, the white ball tour in Australia could mark his comeback in international cricket in early November.

The injury adds to India's growing list of fitness concerns in this series. Fast bowlers Akash Deep (groin) and Arshdeep Singh (finger) were both ruled out ahead of the match, leading to a debut for Anshul Kamboj.

Pant had also hurt his finger in the previous Test at Lord's, which prevented him from keeping wickets. This is the latest case of Team India's injury-ridden list as they try to level the series 2-2 in Manchester.