London, July 10 (UNI) India were dealt a major setback on the first afternoon of the third Test against England at Lord’s today as vice-captain Rishabh Pant walked off the field with a hand injury midway through the second session, leaving the Indian camp visibly anxious. He was replaced by substitute wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel.
The incident occurred during the 34th over of England’s first innings when Pant, attempting a full-stretch dive to his left, injured the fingers of his left hand while trying to collect a Jasprit Bumrah delivery that angled down the leg side to Ollie Pope. He immediately showed signs of pain and discomfort, clutching his hand and grimacing.
Pant had already received medical attention earlier in the session after taking another blow from Bumrah’s delivery during the 26th over. The physio was called in again, applying spray and taping Pant’s fingers heavily. Despite the discomfort, Pant attempted to continue, briefly resuming wicketkeeping with visible signs of pain.
Moments later, Jurel, who had previously kept for India A and was part of the squad during the home series, was seen getting ready in the Lord’s corridor. After just three deliveries post-treatment, Pant eventually walked off at the end of the over, handing the gloves to Jurel.
The development caused visible concern in the Indian dressing room, with mentor Gautam Gambhir stepping out of the balcony to consult the support staff and later rushing inside after Pant exited the field. The seriousness of the injury remains unknown, with the Indian team awaiting further medical assessment.
Jurel now faces the dual challenge and opportunity of making an impression behind the stumps in Test cricket under high-pressure conditions.
Earlier in the day, England won the toss and elected to bat first. After surviving the opening hour, England lost both openers in quick succession to Nitish Kumar Reddy, who struck twice in his first over.
