Wicketkeeper Woes: Pant’s Injury Throws India a Curveball at Lord’s

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India's third England Test match at Lord's was thrown into disarray when vice-captain and talismanic wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant was forced out of action on Day 2 having become a victim of a sore finger injury. Here is the latest, aggregating all official updates and on-field reports:

Injury Incident

Pant was hit on his left index finger while diving to save a Jasprit Bumrah delivery down the leg side during the 34th over of England's first innings on Day 1. Although he was attended to by first-aid on the field, he was in clear distress and walked off the field after the over.

Medical Supervision:

The BCCI officially stated that Pant is "still recovering from the blow on his left index finger" and is under close observation by the doctors. There is no indication yet regarding the severity of the injury or whether he can bat during the later part of the match.

Shift Wicketkeeping:

Dhruv Jurel, who had been out of the playing XI, replaced Pant as a stand-in wicketkeeper after he departed. Jurel made an impression with quick glove work, such as a key catch to get rid of Ollie Pope, and remained at the stumps on Day 2.

Pant's Efforts to Return:

On the morning of Day 2, Pant was seen stretching and attempting light drills but looked clumsy, suggesting he was not ready to return to the field.
Impact on India: Pant's unavailability is a significant setback, considering his vice-captaincy and middle-order pillar status. The team management is keeping their fingers crossed regarding his quick recovery, with his fitness as a batsman in the second half of the Test still in doubt.

Source: Hindustan Times, India Today, Firstpost, MyKhel, BCCI Official Statements.