Rishabh Pant's Injury Update: Indian Team Awaiting News After Day 1 at Lord's

Injury Concerns for Rishabh Pant

After the conclusion of the first day's play in the third Test against England at Lord's, Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy shared that the team expects to have more information regarding wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant's finger injury by the following morning.

Pant had to leave the field for treatment after appearing to injure his finger while keeping wickets. Dhruv Jurel stepped in to take over the wicketkeeping responsibilities. During the 34th over bowled by Jasprit Bumrah, Pant attempted to dive for the ball but failed to secure it, allowing England to score two runs off byes. He was seen in considerable discomfort and subsequently exited the field for medical assistance.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) later confirmed on social media that Pant had indeed sustained a hit to his left index finger.

"He is currently receiving treatment and is under the care of the medical team. Dhruv Jurel is keeping wickets in Rishabh's absence," the BCCI stated.

Awaiting Updates on Pant's Condition

In a post-match press conference, Reddy commented on Pant's injury, saying, "Honestly, I just came off the field and am not aware of the details. However, since I haven't heard anything from anyone, we should know more tomorrow morning before we head back."

Should Pant's injury prove serious, it would be a significant setback for India, as he is one of their top Test batters, ranking as the second-highest run-scorer in the series with 342 runs across four innings at an impressive average of 85.50, including two centuries and a fifty. His standout performance included two centuries at Leeds, with a highest score of 134.

Pant has set numerous records as a wicketkeeper-batter, surpassing the legendary MS Dhoni for the most Test centuries by an Indian keeper-batter and achieving the highest run tally by an Asian wicketkeeper in SENA countries.

Dhruv Jurel's Performance

Dhruv Jurel has participated in four Tests, accumulating 202 runs in six innings at an average of 40.40, with a top score of 90, which he achieved during his debut series against England last year. Despite his strong performances for India A in various tours, he has yet to make an appearance in the playing eleven for this series.

England's Strong Position at Day 1's End

At the close of play on Day 1, England stood at 251/4, with Joe Root (99*) and captain Ben Stokes (39*) remaining unbeaten. Following a balanced first session where Nitish Kumar Reddy took two wickets, England dominated the latter two sessions, showcasing a more traditional approach to Test cricket compared to their aggressive 'Bazball' style, despite contributions from Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah.

Starting the final session at 153/2, Root (54*) and Ollie Pope (44*) were at the crease.

Ravindra Jadeja broke the 109-run partnership by taking a wicket on the first ball of the session, with Jurel making a sharp catch. Pope was dismissed for 44 off 104 balls, leaving England at 153/3 in 49.1 overs.

Harry Brook's Struggles

Harry Brook, the newly crowned number one Test batter, came to the crease but was dismissed for 11 runs off 20 balls after Jasprit Bumrah's delivery knocked over his stumps. England's score at that point was 172/4 in 54.5 overs.

A single from Stokes off Mohammed Siraj's delivery brought England to the 200-run mark in 64 overs.

Stokes and Root played cautiously, adopting a more traditional Test style, reaching their 50-run partnership in 100 balls.

The duo ensured that England did not lose any further wickets, concluding the session positively with Root stranded on 99*. England won the toss and opted to bat first, with the series currently tied at 1-1.

Match Summary

Brief scores: England: 251/4 (Joe Root 99*, Ollie Pope 44; Nitish Kumar Reddy 2/46) vs India.