Cricket
IND vs ENG: India Hold Firm Despite Pant Injury Scare on Day 1 at Old Trafford
Ray Sportz Web Desk: India finished Day 1 of the fourth Test against England on a strong footing at 264/4, despite a mid-innings collapse and a major injury concern for wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant.
Opting to bowl first under overcast skies, England saw India’s openers KL Rahul (46) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) put up a solid 78-run stand. However, England struck back in the second session, removing both openers and Shubman Gill (12) in quick succession.
The big blow came in the final session when Rishabh Pant, who was batting fluently, was forced to retire hurt after being struck on the foot by a Chris Woakes delivery. He was taken off the field in visible pain, with concerns of a potential fracture looming.
Sai Sudharsan, making his debut, anchored the innings with a confident 61, while Ravindra Jadeja (19*) and Shardul Thakur (19*) remained unbeaten at stumps.
England will look to capitalize early on Day 2, while India await updates on Pant’s fitness, which could play a crucial role in the remainder of the match and the series.