India captain Shubman Gill has offered a reassuring update on Rishabh Pant’s finger injury, saying the star wicketkeeper-batsman is expected to be fit for the upcoming fourth Test against England, beginning July 23 at Old Trafford.
Pant sustained an injury to the index finger of his left hand while attempting to collect a delivery from Jasprit Bumrah during England’s first innings in the third Test at Lord’s. Although he completed the over, Pant did not keep wickets for the rest of the match. Dhruv Jurel stepped in behind the stumps, while Pant continued to contribute with the bat in both innings.
“Rishabh went for scans and there is no major injury there,” Gill told reporters after the match. “I think he should be fine for the next test match.”
Pant has been a key figure for India in the series, amassing 425 runs from six innings, including two centuries, making him the second-highest run-scorer behind Gill himself, who leads with 607 runs.
Despite India’s strong performances with the bat, England edged out a 22-run win at Lord’s, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
The fiercely contested third Test saw tempers flare on both sides. India seamer Mohammed Siraj received a fine and one demerit point for his reaction after dismissing England opener Ben Duckett.
Gill downplayed any long-term animosity between the teams, attributing the heated moments to the intensity of the series.
“You’re giving everything physically and mentally, so there are going to be moments where there’s going to be a little bit of heat from both sides,” said the 25-year-old skipper. “I think that’s what makes it so exciting, that’s what makes it more challenging. But the next time we play each other, there won’t be [any bad blood]. There’s a lot of admiration within for the two teams.”
The fourth Test is set to begin in Manchester on July 23, with India aiming to level the series and keep their hopes alive heading into the final match.