Rishabh Pant Battles Through Injury As Ben Stokes Ignites Controversy With Aggressive Approach

Rishabh Pant again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the most courageous and energetic cricketers in the sport today. On Day 2 of the fourth Test match between India and England at Old Trafford he gave an audacious performance which earned him both respect and anger. While nursing a broken toe Pant came back into the crease following the fall of Shardul Thakur and went on to play a gallant half-century. His 54-run innings was filled with grit and determination as he struggled through the pain and added vital runs to India's cause. But it was the response to England captain Ben Stokes' plan that turned out to be one of the most discussed pieces of action in the day.

Social media went berserk as fans realized that Ben Stokes insisted on bowling yorkers straight at Pant's hurt foot. Deliberate target practice wasn't what viewers were keen on. Even though cricket is a very competitive game there's an unspoken rule of conduct among players and particularly when a player is already hurt. Stokes' strategy set off fiery online debates with fans labeling it as unfair and unnecessary. Social media was awash with posts slamming the act and supporting Pant's guts in remaining upright despite being clearly uncomfortable. But Pant was not easily intimidated. Rather than backing away or exhibiting signs of struggle he came back strong with every ounce of strength. His six off Jofra Archer was a clear indication that he was not going to allow the injury or the hostile bowling to get the better of him.

The crowd burst into applause and cheers as Pant displayed his trademark aggression and courage. It was a moment to remember one that added another page to his own legend as one of India's most dependable and fearless batters in pressure situations. Stepping back from the match itself India totaled 358 at the end of their innings due in large part to Pant's courageous contribution. But the highlight for England's team was also rather important. Ben Stokes who had been eight years without taking a five-wicket haul in Test cricket finally broke that drought. He took 5 wickets for 72 runs that contributed immensely to keeping India's total below 400. It was a significant moment for the England skipper and one that provided his side with a firm grip in the game. Following the completion of India's innings England's openers set out with a purpose. Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley produced a good opening partnership that left the Indian bowling side under tremendous pressure.

 Their 166-run partnership came in at a quick and confident pace going through the Indian bowlers. Duckett scored a good knock of 94 runs whereas Crawley contributed 84. Both the batsmen missed out on achieving their centuries by a narrow margin but their efforts meant that England finished the day in a commanding position. Despite efforts by Indian bowlers such as Shardul Thakur Ravindra Jadeja Mohammed Siraj and new man Anshul Kamboj the English batsmen continued to score at will. Crawley was finally got out when he edged a ball from Jadeja and KL Rahul was quick enough to take a sharp catch in the slips. Duckett, on the other hand, got out while trying to run down a wide ball delivered by Kamboj and nicked it to the keeper. That was Kamboj's first wicket in Test cricket ever. The English batting was carried on by Joe Root and Ollie Pope. They played cautiously to see no wickets fall before the stumps. Root had a jitters moment when he edged Jasprit Bumrah's leg-before-wicket attempt as the ball made contact outside off stump. England reached 225 for 2 at the end of the day and trailed India's score by just 133 runs with enough batting still remaining. Although England concluded Day 2 in a commanding position much of the discussion was still centered around the action with Rishabh Pant. His resilience and commitment to the side were praised by fans. Playing on a broken foot is no small feat but Pant made it seem like one more obstacle to overcome.

Not only did he play uninhibitedly but even reversed the situation by taking the attack to the bowlers something which is characteristic of his free-flowing style of play. Ben Stokes might have been successful with the ball but choosing to bowl yorkers at an injured batsman brought on a storm of criticism. The sporting spirit is usually tried and tested in those moments and there were differing opinions on whether this action was merely aggressive cricket or went beyond into a show of poor sportsmanship. Wherever people lay on the matter the admiration for Pant's grit was universal. His fifty in such circumstances will be one of his most courageous knocks and a pointed assertion of his physical and mental toughness. As the game goes on all eyes will be on how India reacts on Day 3. With England already dominating and having the opportunity to lead the first innings it will be down to Indian bowlers to regain momentum. But if Day 2 taught us one thing, it was that cricket is more about character than runs or wickets. And Rishabh Pant demonstrated precisely what it takes to play for the badge on your chest regardless of how tough things get.