[WATCH] ENG vs IND 4th Test: Shardul Thakur describes Rishabh Pant's story before coming out to bat against England on Day

Shardul Thakur out, Rishabh Pant in. When Thakur was about to cross the boundary line after his departure, Pant made his strides back into the ground again, with a fractured foot. When Shardul and Rishabh met each other at the boundary line, it was one of the main frames from Day 2 of the ongoing England vs. India 4th Test match at Old Trafford, Manchester. During the press conference after the day's end, the India all-rounder shared backstage stories about Rishabh Pant. Thakur was not aware of the vice captain's current status when he went to bat.

He said, "When we were on the bus, Rishabh was not there; he was under medical facilities. Then we only knew that Pant could bat, but first, he had to walk on his own. Later when we reached the venue, warmed up, and I went out in the middle for batting, I didn't see him in the dressing room. So, I don't exactly know what happened at that time. The news is already out about the fracture," Shardul Thakur said this after Day 2 of the 4th Test.

Despite having a fractured foot, the southpaw fought back brilliantly and scored a half century as well. Balancing mostly on one leg, he slammed Jofra Archer for a huge six. Later, the English pacer bowled him out and ended India's remaining hopes in the first innings. Pant departed for 54 after facing 75 balls with three 4s and a couple of 6s.

England on the driving seat

Team India scored 358 in the first innings, a fighting score in Manchester. Shardul Thakur played a big role in the lower order. Under pressure and in tough situations, the all-rounder was able to score 41 runs against 88 deliveries. His composed knock came at the right time when his time had already suffered multiple blows.

The reasonable score of India now, before the beginning of Day 3, looks insufficient, as the home team already climbed to 225 for the loss of only 2 wickets.