Team India keeper-batter Rishabh Pant received a huge standing ovation from the crowd at Old Trafford in Manchester as he walked out to bat despite a swollen foot on day two of the fourth Test against England. A loud roar followed the venue as the fans couldn't hold their respect back for a limping Pant.
The BCCI had earlier issued an update that the Uttarakhand-born cricketer will not keep wickets in the remainder of the Test, meaning Dhruv Jurel will keep wickets. However, the BCCI were open to exploring the possibilities of the southpaw coming out to bat on day two according to the requirement.
The 27-year-old had walked out wincing in pain on day one of the decisive fourth Test after being struck on the toe while attempting a reverse sweep off a yorker-length delivery from Chris Woakes. After taking off his socks and shoe, the wound started bleeding and Pant had to be carried off in a golf cart.
Watch the below video as Pant walks out, earning the respect of the commentators and crowd:
Shardul Thakur's precious knock of 41 takes India's total past 300
Although Pant walking out to bat despite his injury gained the spotlight, Shardul Thakur deserved equal praise for his knock of 41 off 88 deliveries. After Jofra Archer dismissed Ravindra Jadeja for 20 only in his first over of the day, the home side had their tails up but Thakur and Washington Sundar weathered the storm.
Ben Stokes broke the partnership by nicking Thakur to Ben Duckett at slip for 41. It was then that Pant walked out but looked far from comfortable and was limping through his singles. Nevertheless, the players took early lunch on day two due to showers, 10 minutes before the scheduled one.
India had reached 321/6 at lunch.
