The first day of the third Test went quite successfull for Team India, but Indian vice-captain Rishabh Pant's finger injury became a cause of concern for the team. In the second session at Lord's, a ball from Jasprit Bumrah went towards the leg side, due to which Pant's left index finger got a severe blow while trying to stop it. Due to this, he remained on the field for some time but had to leave the field for the rest of the time when the pain intensified, and Dhruv Jurel took over wicketkeeping in his place.
Despite the injury, the BCCI confirmed that Pant has suffered an injury to his left index finger and is under the supervision of the medical team. It stated,
"He is currently undergoing treatment, and Dhruv Jurel will be wicketkeeping in his place."
India's all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy said after the match that the whole situation will be clear by the morning when the medical team will investigate. He said,
"I don't know anything right now after coming out of the field, but someone has said something, so everything will be known tomorrow morning."
Pant's absence could be a big blow for team India, as he is batting quite confidently and sharply. In the series to now, he has scored 342 runs in four innings, including two centuries and a half-century, with an average of 85.50. He scored centuries in both innings at Leeds and has also become the wicketkeeper with the most runs so far.
Dhruv Jurel has played four Tests, scoring 202 runs in six innings, and his best score has been 90. He also scored a half-century in England's home series last year. In this test, he had to take the gloves without starting the match, which was possible under the rule implemented in 2017.
India's bowling dominated the England batting lineup onDay 1 of the third test. Nitish Kumar Reddy took two early wickets, and Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Harry Brook. After this, Ravindra Jadeja took the wicket of Ollie Pope.
For England, Joe Root and Ollie Pope faced tough challenges and finished the day at 99* and 44, respectively. Root scored 251/4 with his technical batting, although he fell just one run short of a century.
This match has become very important after the Test series is tied 1-1. If Pant's injury turns out to be serious, the team may have to adopt another strategy. But initial indications show that his injury is not serious, and he may be fit to bat by tomorrow.