India vice-captain Rishabh Pant ruled out of remainder of England Test series with foot fracture

The injury occurred on the opening day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford and is expected to keep Pant out of action for six to eight weeks.

Pant sustained the injury during the second session while attempting a reverse sweep against England's Chris Woakes. The ball took an inside edge and struck his front foot-his right - causing immediate discomfort. Despite surviving an lbw review, Pant was visibly in pain and unable to continue, retiring hurt on 37 and later leaving the field via golf buggy.

Medical assessments have since confirmed a metatarsal fracture, ruling him out of the final innings of the fourth Test and making his participation in the fifth Test at The Oval next week impossible. The Indian team management, in consultation with the BCCI's medical team, will assess whether he can bat in the current match if required, though that appears increasingly unlikely.

Fan footage from outside the team hotel showed Pant in a moon boot on his right foot, further reinforcing the seriousness of the injury. He had been taken to a nearby hospital for scans following initial treatment at the ground.

This marks the second injury Pant has suffered during the series. In the opening Test at Lord's, he sustained a blow to his left index finger while keeping wicket, leading to Dhruv Jurel stepping in as substitute. Jurel is expected to continue in the role for the remainder of the fourth Test and is the front-runner to keep wicket at The Oval as well.

Pant's short innings at Old Trafford featured both caution and flair, including a slog sweep for four off Jofra Archer, followed by the ill-fated reverse sweep attempt. His absence leaves a notable gap in India's lineup, both behind the stumps and with the bat.

England spinner Liam Dawson said after play, "I can't see him playing much more part in this game," while Indian batter B Sai Sudharsan, who was at the non-striker's end at the time of the injury, added: "He was definitely in a lot of pain."

India will now need to recalibrate their strategy as they approach a crucial fifth Test without one of their most dynamic players.