IND vs ENG | ‘He has only himself to blame’: Rishabh Pant’s reckless shot sparks debate | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: India’s Rishabh Pant suffered a foot fracture throughout the ongoing Manchester Test in opposition to England after making an attempt a reverse sweep on Day 1. The harm occurred when he was on 37, as Chris Woakes delivered a yorker that struck Pant’s proper toe, reportedly inflicting the fracture.Despite the setback, Pant resumed his innings on Day 2 and battled by the ache to notch up a gritty half-century earlier than falling to Jofra Archer. His harm has now forged doubt over his availability for India’s second innings and reignited conversations across the use of harm substitutes in Test cricket.Former England captain Geoffrey Boycott, talking on The Telegraph Podcast, criticised Pant’s shot choice and stated the harm was avoidable.“It is always sad when a player gets hurt and affects his ability to play a part in the game—especially someone as talented as him. But he has only himself to blame,” Boycott stated.

“They were nicely in control, batting orthodox—there was no need to try something outrageous. Rishabh tries amazing strokes. When they come off, people are astonished and cheer him, and that is the essence of his batting. But when they don’t, it can look silly. India were building a strong position. Some might say that’s just his nature, but if he can’t bat in both innings, it might cost India the match. He’s that important,” he added.

The incident has sparked contemporary debate over permitting like-for-like substitutions in Tests.Speaking to TalkSport Cricket, former England batter David Lloyd provided his take: “I’m probably against runners, but I’m in favour of substitutes for external injuries. It does open a can of worms, but if it’s a break and medically he’s out for six weeks, then maybe a like-for-like replacement is worth considering. Not something like replacing a batter with a spinner, though.”