'They're small, fragile bones': Rishabh Pant's participation in doubt; Ponting says 'Indian fans, keep fingers crossed'

Rishabh Pant was struck on the foot while attempting an audacious reverse sweep against Chris Woakes (AP Photo)

India endured a major setback on Day 1 of the Manchester Test, leaving Rishabh Pant's further participation in the match in serious doubts. The southpaw was struck on the foot while attempting an audacious reverse sweep against Chris Woakes, which turned out to be his final action on the field.

Pant then was barely able to stand on his foot and had to leave the field in a golf cart. As per an official update by BCCI stated that the wicketkeeper-batter was "taken for scans and the medical team is monitoring his progress".

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Ricky Ponting, who is part of the commentary panel, gave viewers an insight on what the injury possibly could be. “He hardly put his foot on the ground. He rolled around for 6-8 minutes before the golf cart came in. The immediate swelling was the worry for me. I've had a metatarsal injury myself, and they're small, fragile bones.

“The fact that he couldn't put any weight on it doesn't look good at all. If it's broken, he will be out of the game. If it's not, then they will do anything they can to get him back out there. Hopefully, he doesn't play any more reverse sweeps,” said Ponting on Sky Sports.

Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur pushed India's total to 264/4 at stumps on Day 1 and Ponting stated if Pant fails to continue it would leave a massive impact, not just on the match but the series in total.

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“Thinking about the situation of the game as well, Shardul has come out and played nicely, but with the way Rishabh plays and the momentum he brings to the Indian team, that is what they will potentially miss the most. Someone who can put the pressure on the opposition.

“For Indian fans, keep fingers crossed and hope it is not as serious as it looks. If he is out of the remainder of the game, then that leaves a massive dent on India's chance, not only in this game, but the remainder of the series,” said Ponting.