Follow UsIt was a memorable day for Sai Sudharsan as he scored his maiden Test fifty for India on Day 1 of the fourth Test against England in Manchester on July 23 (Wednesday). He was in the middle of an excellent partnership with Rishabh Pant, with whom he put on 72 for the fourth wicket before an unfortunate incident forced the wicketkeeper out.
Pant was looking to reverse sweep Chris Woakes, but the ball hit his leg on the full. The swelling induced unbearable pain for the wicketkeeper-batter, and he had to retire out.
Sudharsan, who slammed a patient 61 off 151, has provided an update on Pant on whether the southpaw will play any part in the game or not. “Obviously [Pant will be a big loss if he misses out], because he was batting really well today as well," Sudharsan told reporters at the end of Day 1.
“Plus, we’ll miss a batter if he doesn’t come back again. So, it will definitely have consequences."
The 23-year-old Tamil Nadu batter remained confident of India putting up a big total, given that they have good all-rounders at the crease and more to follow.
“At the same time, the batters who are batting right now, and there are a few more all-rounders inside. So, we’ll try and give our best and bat long so that we negotiate that loss very well," he added.
Pant did not keep for most parts of the third Test at Lord's due to a finger injury. However, he batted in both innings. Dhruv Jurel took over the gloves in Pant's absence and that could once again be the case in Manchester.
Ravindra Jadeja (19*) and Shardul Thakur (19*) are in the middle of a 29-run stand. India still have Washington Sundar and debutant Anshul Kamboj to follow. While Sundar has been a handy batter down the order this series, Kamboj, who has a first-class fifty in England, will hope to chip in with a few valuable runs as well.
India ended Day 1 on 264/4. Other than Sudharsan, Yashasvi Jaiswal also scored a fifty (58). India will hope Jadeja, who has three fifties in a row this series, kicks on to get a big score on Day 2.