Michael Vaughan calls Rishabh Pant’s injury a game-changer for England

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has boldly said that Rishabh Pant’s injury could turn out to be a massive blow for India, not just for the ongoing fourth Test match, but for the entire five-match Test series against England.

Rishabh Pant took a nasty blow to his foot while attempting a reverse sweep on Day 1 of the ongoing fourth Test in Manchester, and he had to be stretchered off, raising serious concerns about a potential metatarsal injury.

Michael Vaughan calls Rishabh Pant’s injury a turning point in the Test series

Scans have confirmed that India’s vice-captain has a fracture in his right toe, ruling him out of action for at least six weeks. However, the BCCI has confirmed that Pant will be available to bat in the ongoing Manchester Test against England if the conditions demand it.

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Meanwhile, Michael Vaughan pointed out how significant Pant’s absence could be. He stressed that Pant’s absence as a wicketkeeper-batter would give England a clear advantage in the ongoing fourth Test in Manchester. With India possibly playing with just 10 effective players for the remainder of the match, Vaughan believes this alone could give England a 25% edge.

I just hate to think that he is not playing: Michael Vaughan

Michael Vaughan said on Cricbuzz: “The injury to Rishabh Pant is just a massive moment in this game, obviously in the series, and from what I saw with him being stretched off for that lump on his foot, it looks like a bad one. So, I hope that's not the case, and I hope he can come back and play on day two. But from what I saw, it looks like he might not play much more part in the game.”

The Englishman added, “So, I'm all about the entertainment. I want to treat it to be the best format in terms of the visual and the product and the combative nature that we've seen throughout the series. I just hate to think that from here until the end of the Test match, England are playing against 10 men. If you don't have a Rishabh Pant back in the second innings or potentially tomorrow, I think that really is a 25% sway towards England winning the Test match.”

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Geoffrey Boycott blames Rishabh Pant for injury, urges England to capitalize on India's blow

Meanwhile, England legend Geoffrey Boycott feels Rishabh Pant is responsible for his own injury. Speaking before Day 2 of the Manchester Test, Boycott said that it is always unfortunate when a talented player gets hurt, but Pant’s current situation is due to his own actions.

Geoffrey Boycott said in the Telegraph’s podcast, “It is always sad when a player gets hurt and it affects his ability to play a part in the game. Especially someone as talented as him. But he has only himself to blame.”

Additionally, Boycott believes that India’s injury setback with Pant is a big blow, and England must take full advantage in Manchester. He felt India could not go beyond 340, and if they managed to stun him, it would mean England's bowlers failed to make the most of the situation.

With the new ball in hand on the second morning, Boycott expects England to bowl strongly, build a good first-innings lead, and take control of the Test match from there against India.