Sawt Falasteen - Pant unfit to keep wicket against England in fourth Test

Vice-captain Pant, who could still be required to bat again in the match, counter-attacked in trademark fashion after India stumbled from 94-0 to 140-3 on Wednesday's opening day in Manchester.

But his latest dashing display was cut short when, on 37, he inside-edged a Chris Woakes yorker onto his right boot.

The 27-year-old received lengthy on-field treatment from medical staff but was forced to retire hurt and he was taken off the field on a buggy in evident pain.

"Rishabh Pant, who sustained an injury to his right foot on day one of the Manchester Test, will not be performing wicketkeeping duties for the remainder of the match," the BCCI said.

"Dhruv Jurel will assume the role of wicketkeeper. Despite his injury, Rishabh Pant has joined the team on day two and will be available to bat as per team requirements."

Jurel deputised behind the stumps for Pant during England's 22-run win in the third Test at Lord's after India's first-choice gloveman suffered a finger injury.

Under the laws of cricket, Jurel can keep wicket in Pant's absence but cannot, as a substitute, bat instead of him.

Pant has been one of India's outstanding players during the five-match series, racking up 462 runs in seven innings so far.

England lead the series 2-1.

C.Hamad--SF-PST