Former England captain Nasser Hussain delivered a striking comment about Rishabh Pant’s fearless approach at Old Trafford, Manchester, during a Sky Sports podcast discussion on the idea of substitutes in Test cricket. Pant had injured his foot on Day 1 of the fourth Test while attempting a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes but returned on Day 2 to score a vital half-century, helping India reach 358. Meanwhile, Woakes, who suffered a shoulder injury at The Oval on Day 1, batted on the final day with his arm in a sling. When Michael Atherton asked Hussain for his thoughts on injury substitutes, he cautioned that a rule change might allow teams to exploit it for tactical gains.
“I said that view after the Rishabh Pant injury. I know Michael Vaughan
sees it differently, he’s been talking about having a substitute in the second
innings of a game. The moment you bring any change in playing
conditions, people will use it, manipulate it to their benefit really. I quite
liked the drama of Rishabh Pant hobbling down the stairs at Old Trafford
and Chris Woakes doing the same. It’s unfortunate obviously but it can be
manipulated in general.”
Atherton concurred with the view and expressed his support for England captain Ben Stokes, stating
“Cricket doesn’t have an injury substitute, which became a bit of a topic
in the series because of Woakes and Pant. But I’m with Stokes. I’m not one
for subs and I think it will be a rule which will be easily abused when came
in.”
After the fourth Test against India in Manchester, Stokes shared his thoughts on the matter, calling even the discussion about it absurd. The star all-rounder emphasized that injuries are an inherent part of the game and warned that changing the rules could open the door for potential exploitation. When Hussain asked if the recently concluded series matched the 2005 Ashes, Atherton replied that nothing had come close to that level. The 57-year-old said it was the finest series he had covered since the iconic 2005 Ashes, adding
“It was nice to work with a good broadcaster in 2005, unlike you Nass,
sitting beside me (laughs). I don’t think the quality was as good as 2005. I
don’t think I’ve seen a better series than 2005 Ashes. One great team on
the decline and emerging players at the top of their game. Probably the
best since 2005 Ashes. 2023 Ashes was a fantastic series. Probably put this
the best since 2005 Ashes due to the dramatic moments due to Woakes and
Pant. How it twisted and turned. The best I’ve covered since 2005.”