Fri Oct 18 04:02:51 UTC 2024: ## Pant Injured in First Test Against New Zealand, Replaced by Jurel

**Wellington, New Zealand:** India suffered an injury scare on Day 2 of the first Test against New Zealand as wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was struck on his right knee while attempting a stumping. The incident occurred off the final ball of Jadeja’s fifth over when Devon Conway missed a delivery.

Pant, who was visibly in pain, was attended to by the team physio and later helped off the field. Substitute wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel donned the pads and helmet to replace him, according to ICC regulations.

This latest injury comes just three Tests into Pant’s return to the red-ball format after a horrific car accident in December 2022, which severely damaged his right knee. His recovery has been a remarkable journey, featuring a return in the 2024 IPL, the T20 World Cup, and the Test series against Bangladesh, culminating in a century in his comeback series.

Pant’s injury adds to India’s woes after a disastrous batting collapse in the first innings. They were bowled out for a paltry 46, their third-lowest Test total ever, with Pant top-scoring with 20 runs. The team’s batting woes were further highlighted by the dismissal of Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan for ducks.

The extent of Pant’s injury remains unclear, and his availability for the remainder of the match hangs in the balance. The incident casts a shadow over India’s hopes for a comeback in the first Test.

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