Day 1 of the fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford brought an alarming moment for India as Rishabh Pant retired hurt after taking a painful blow to his right foot. The Indian vice-captain and wicketkeeper-batter suffered the injury while attempting a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes during a tense passage of play.
Pant missed the full delivery, which struck him flush on the boot near the off stump. England immediately went for a review, hoping for an LBW decision, but UltraEdge detected a spike near the bat, leading to a not-out verdict. However, despite the favourable review, Pant was clearly in discomfort and soon called for the physio.
As the umpires signaled for drinks, Pant was visibly struggling to stay on his feet. The physio treated him on the field, but the pain appeared too severe for the left-hander to continue. With mounting concern in the Indian dressing room and among fans, the 12th man signaled toward the dugout. Ravindra Jadeja was then seen walking out to replace Pant at the crease.
What followed was a distressing sight. Pant, unable to even limp off the field, was first considered for a stretcher before being helped onto a medical buggy. As he was carted off the field, grimacing and taking deep breaths, the mood in the stadium shifted from energetic to deeply concerned.
This unfortunate incident is particularly worrying given Pant’s recent return from a long injury layoff.
IND Vs ENG, 4th Test: Zak Crawley's Enthusiastic Appeal Steals Spotlight On Day 1 At Old Trafford; Video
England opener Zak Crawley stole a bit of the spotlight on Day 1 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford with his animated and passionate appeal from the slip cordon. The moment came when Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was struck on the pads early in the innings, sparking a loud LBW shout from the English bowlers and an even louder, more energetic reaction from Crawley.
As the ball thudded into Jaiswal’s pads and the bowler turned around to appeal, Crawley was seen bouncing up and down with excitement, arms raised and voice ringing out, demanding the wicket with the kind of enthusiasm rarely seen even in high-pressure Test moments. The appeal caught the attention of fans both in the stadium and watching around the world.
Ultimately, the umpire was unmoved, and England chose not to review. But Crawley’s exaggerated appeal was already a highlight that underlined England’s energy and eagerness in the field as they looked to seal the series.
Crawley’s gesture quickly made its way across social media, with fans and commentators alike noting the England batter’s almost cartoonish enthusiasm. While the appeal didn’t result in a wicket, it reflected the sharp intent with which England began proceedings after choosing to bowl first under overcast skies.
