IND vs ENG Live Score: Ben Stokes and Rishabh Pant fitness update
sustained injuries that could affect their teams’ plans moving forward. At stumps, England were well-placed at 251/4, with Joe Root unbeaten on 99 and Stokes on 39*, but both sides were left with fitness concerns.
Stokes appeared to be hampered by a groin issue while batting. He required medical attention on the field and was visibly struggling with his running between the wickets during a vital unbroken stand with Root.
England, however, are hopeful their captain will recover swiftly. Teammate Ollie Pope expressed cautious optimism when asked about Stokes after the day’s play.
“Fingers crossed he can do something magic and come back strong,” Pope said. “I’ve not seen him since, so fingers crossed there’s nothing too serious. But clearly we’ve got a big Test over the next four days and we’ve got a big two (at Old Trafford and The Oval) coming up as well, so it is important to try and manage him.”
India, meanwhile, were dealt a blow when Rishabh Pant suffered a finger injury while attempting to stop a delivery from Jasprit Bumrah that veered down the leg side. Although the injury initially appeared minor, Pant left the field shortly after receiving medical treatment. Dhruv Jurel took over wicketkeeping duties for the rest of the day.
The BCCI confirmed the injury via social media but did not elaborate on its severity. Their post on X read:
“Update: #TeamIndia vice-captain Rishabh Pant got hit on his left index finger. He is receiving treatment at the moment and under the supervision of the medical team. Dhruv Jurel is currently keeping wickets in Rishabh’s absence.”
Asked about Pant’s condition in the post-day press conference, Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy said the team would likely know more by the next morning.
“To be honest I just came off the field and I don’t know anything about it,” Reddy said. “I haven’t heard anything, but we will hear more tomorrow morning before we go back.”
The potential unavailability of two key players — Stokes, a proven match-winner, and Pant, India’s second-highest run-scorer in the series with 342 runs at an average of 85.50 — could significantly influence the outcome of this crucial Test. Pant has already struck two centuries in the series, including twin tons at Leeds, and continues to rewrite records for Indian wicketkeeper-batters.
Despite the setbacks, England ended the day in a strong position thanks to a patient and effective partnership between Root and Stokes. Their stand steadied the innings after India’s bowlers, led by Nitish Kumar Reddy, had made early inroads.
As the match continues at Lord’s — with pivotal Tests at Old Trafford and The Oval still to come — both teams will be anxiously awaiting medical updates on their star players.
