England’s pace sensation Jofra Archer produced a peach of a delivery to dismiss India’s Rishabh Pant during the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester. Archer, returning to full rhythm, cleaned up the injured Indian wicketkeeper-batter with a fiery delivery that sent Pant’s off-stump cartwheeling before it astonishingly replanted itself—a rare sight in modern cricket.
Pant, the Indian Test vice-captain, had shown remarkable grit by coming out to bat on Day 2 despite suffering a foot fracture on the opening day. The injury, sustained while attempting a reverse sweep against Chris Woakes, had forced him to retire hurt and undergo scans.
ALSO READ: BCCI Proposes Neutral Venue For Asia Cup 2025 Amid Security Concerns
Though clearly in discomfort, Pant braved the pain and returned to the crease after Shardul Thakur’s dismissal, drawing a standing ovation from the appreciative Old Trafford crowd. Initially tentative and visibly hampered by the injury, Pant slowly found his rhythm.
No better ASMR in cricket 🔊
Jofra Archer has Rishabh Pant’s poles flying ✈️
🇮🇳 3️⃣4️⃣9️⃣-9️⃣ pic.twitter.com/ja65MyYP6k
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 24, 2025
After a few shaky moments, he launched a counterattack, scoring freely and keeping India in the hunt. He struck three crisp boundaries and launched two massive sixes, scoring 54 runs off 75 deliveries in an innings filled with courage and character. However, his gritty stay came to an end in the 113th over when Archer, bowling from around the wicket, delivered a length ball that seamed in sharply.
ALSO READ: N Jagadeesan Can Earn Maiden Test Call-Up As India Bolster Squad For Fifth England Test
Rishabh Pant was completely beaten as the off-stump was uprooted dramatically. The BCCI has confirmed that Pant will miss the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. With Dhruv Jurel donning the gloves for the remainder of this Test, all eyes will be on India’s squad announcement for the decider.
Rishabh Pant’s bravery despite injury added to the drama of this gripping series and further solidified his reputation as one of the grittiest modern-day Test batters.
