India, July 24 -- India's hopes of a comeback in the ongoing Test series suffered a major dent on Thursday as Rishabh Pant was ruled out after sustaining a toe fracture on the opening day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford. Pant, who had begun with typical flair during his 37-run knock, copped a brutal blow while attempting a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes and walked off visibly in pain, never to return.

Scans have confirmed a fracture in the metatarsal region of his right foot, the group of small bones that bear weight during movement, with the swelling and visible bleeding underscoring the severity of the injury. Though the BCCI is yet to release a formal update, a team insider confirmed that Pant will need at least six weeks of recove...