Sawt Falasteen - India's Pant retires hurt in fourth Test against England

Left-hander Pant, renowned for his extraordinary shot-making ability, was hurt when he attempted an audacious reverse sweep off a yorker-length delivery from paceman Chris Woakes after tea on the first day.

England appealed for lbw but a review revealed wicketkeeper Pant had got an inside edge. But, more worryingly for India, the ball deflected onto his right boot.

Pant, who had made 37 off 48 balls including two fours and a six, took his boot off as umpires called for a drinks break so he could received on-field treatment.

Television pictures appeared to show severe swelling on his right leg and a hobbling Pant limped into a buggy before being driven off the field.

India were 212-3, with Pant having helped Sai Sudharsan add 72 for the fourth wicket after the pair came together with the tourists faltering at 140-3.

Pant had suffered a finger injury during England's dramatic 22-run win in the third Test at Lord's and was replaced behind the stumps for large parts of that game by reserve wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel.

India, at 2-1 down in this five-match contest, must win at Old Trafford if they are to maintain their hopes of just a fourth Test series win in England.

S.Barghouti--SF-PST