Credit: ICC
Former England opener Geoffrey Boycott has blamed Team India wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant for picking up a foot injury in the ongoing fourth Test getting played at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground. On the first day of the game, the 27-year-old got retired hurt after he fractured his foot while attempting a reverse sweep against Chris Woakes. However, on the second day, when India required his assistance with the bat, he walked into the middle and delivered a 54 run innings to the side. His 75-ball innings came to an end after Jofra Archer cleaned him up.
Pant’s spirit was hailed by Team India supporters but Boycott feels the incident was unfortunate but the star stumper has no one but to blame himself. "It is always sad when a player gets hurt and affects his ability to play a part in the game. Especially someone as talented as him. But he has only himself to blame," remarked Boycott on The Telegraph Podcast.
Boycott also feels that Pant didn’t need to play an unconventional shot at that stage of the contest as India were in a commanding position then. "They were nicely in control, batting orthodox, there was no need to try something outrageous. Rishabh tries amazing strokes. When they come off, people are astonished and he is cheered, and that is the essence of his batting. But occasionally when it does not, it can look silly. India, yesterday, was getting themselves to an excellent batting position. On one hand, many would say that is his nature, but on the other hand, him not batting in both innings might cost India the match. It will affect the runs they could add to that innings. He is that good," added the 84-year-old former England player.
India looking to evade loss in Manchester Test
After losing two quick wickets in the second innings, Team India opener KL Rahul and captain Shubman Gill are looking to stabilise India’s innings. Gill brought his eighth Test fifty in 77 balls, while Rahul also exhibited composure and completed his 19th red-ball half-century in 141 balls. Both completed their 100-run partnership after playing 226 balls together.
Team India supporters will expect both players to go back unbeaten after the day’s play. As of this writing, India are 118/2 in 43 overs with Gill (unbeaten 59 off 114) and Rahul (unbeaten 51 off 142) at the crease.
