Dhruv Jurel took over wicketkeeping duties from Rishabh Pant during the second session on Day 1 of the third Test between India and England at Lord’s on Thursday, July 10. Pant had to leave the field after suffering a finger injury just before the 35th over of England’s first innings. The injury occurred in the previous over delivered by Jasprit Bumrah.
A fuller delivery down the leg side saw Pant dive in an attempt to collect it, but he couldn’t gather it cleanly. The ball struck the fingertips of his left hand and deflected away, allowing the batters to run two. The physio attended to Pant, applying ointment and taping the injured finger.
Although Rishabh Pant managed to finish the over, Jurel was seen getting ready on the sidelines and soon replaced him behind the stumps. Pant’s absence was a significant setback for the Indian team, as the 27-year-old often provides crucial guidance to the bowlers. The visitors will be hoping that the left-hander recovers in time to take the field when it’s their turn to bat.
Why Dhruv Jurel Replaced Pant as Keeper in 3rd Test? What the Rules Say
As per the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) laws, a substitute is allowed to take over wicketkeeping duties if the designated keeper gets injured during the match, provided the umpires approve the change. According to ICC’s Test match playing conditions, clause 1.2.1 (as cited by ESPNcricinfo) outlines this provision.
“Each captain can nominate up to six substitute fielders on the team sheet handed to the match referee before the toss.”
Meanwhile, clause 1.2.2 says:
“Only those nominated as substitute fielders shall be entitled to act as substitute fielders during the match, unless the ICC Match Referee, in exceptional circumstances, allows subsequent additions.”
At the time of writing, England were 110/2 in 37.3 overs on Day 1 of the third Test, with Joe Root (34) and Ollie Pope (22) unbeaten at the crease. Nitish Reddy provided the early breakthroughs, dismissing both openers—Ben Duckett (23) and Zak Crawley (18)—caught behind by Rishabh Pant.
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