Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif expects Rishabh Pant's serious toe injury to be the turning point of the ongoing Test series against England. Taking to X, Kaif wrote that Ben Stokes and his men hardly had any clue on how to get Pant's wicket in the series but hopes for other players to step up.
Pant, 27, sustained the toe injury during the 68th over of the innings on day one as he tried to play a reverse-sweep off a yorker length from Chris Woakes. Instead, the ball took the inside edge and hit him on the toe, leaving Pant in agony. After the star cricketer removed his shoe and socks, the wound was seen bleeding and he had to be carried off in a golf cart. According to recent developments, the southpaw has been ruled out of the remainder of the series, with Ishan Kishan reportedly set to earn a recall.
Taking to X, Kaif wrote:
"Rishabh Pant's injury could well be the turning point of this very close series. Stokes and his bowlers had no clue about how to get him out. Big blow for India's chances, hope others step it up."
The Uttarakhand-born cricketer started the series with twin hundreds at the Headingley in Leeds. He struck a quick-fire half-century in the second innings of the Edgbaston Test but could not make much of an impact at Lord's.
Ravindra Jadeja dismissed early on day 2 by Jofra Archer
Meanwhile, Jofra Archer needed only four balls to make an impact on day two at Old Trafford as he got Jadeja to nick one off to the slip cordon, with Harry Brook taking an outstanding low catch. Both Jadeja and Shardul Thakur had got the ball to nick at least twice before the former's dismissal but the ball fell short.
India had finished the opening day at 264/4. Although B Sai Sudharsan justified his return to the side with a gritty 61, their promising day was overshadowed by Pant's injury.
