Pant Fights Injury, Stokes Takes Five in Old Trafford Test

In the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Rishabh Pant scored his 19th Test half-century despite fracturing his foot from a Chris Woakes yorker on day one, which forced him to retire hurt before courageously returning to bat. The Manchester crowd gave him a standing ovation as he hobbled to the crease, countering relentless yorker attacks from Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer. Stokes, overcoming his own fatigue, took his first five-wicket haul in eight years (5-72) and helped bowl India out for 358, strengthening England's position. Reports noted Stokes' aggressive tactics, including moments of mockery towards Pant's limp, but also his praise for Pant's resilience. Pant's innings was especially celebrated as he was returning after a near-fatal car accident. His uncertain availability for the rest of the series is a major setback for India.