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Key Points

Former spinner Monty Panesar has raised serious questions about the ethics of Ben Stokes' bowling strategy towards an injured Rishabh Pant. Pant, battling a fractured toe, displayed incredible courage by continuing to bat and scoring a gritty 54 runs. Panesar drew parallels with Anil Kumble's legendary performance while highlighting the potential risks of playing with an injury. The incident has sparked a broader discussion about sportsmanship and player welfare in competitive cricket.

Key Points: Panesar Questions Stokes' Yorkers to Injured Pant

  • Pant showed remarkable bravery batting with fractured toe
  • Stokes' bowling approach to injured player sparks ethical debate
  • Panesar compares Pant's courage to Anil Kumble's historic performance
  • India reaches 358 despite player's injury challenges
2 min read

'Was it ethical for Stokes to bowl so many yorkers at Pant with injured foot': Panesar

Monty Panesar criticizes Ben Stokes' bowling tactics against Rishabh Pant's fractured toe, raising ethical concerns in crucial Test match

"Was it ethical for Ben Stokes to bowl so many yorkers at Pant when he already had a broken toe? - Monty Panesar"

New Delhi, July 25

Former England spinner Monty Panesar questioned host captain Ben Stokes' approach of bowling yorkers to injured Rishabh Pant , when he came to bat again on day two of the fourth Test at Old Trafford.

Pant, who was retired hurt on 37 after being hit on the right toe by Chris Woakes in the final session of the opening day, came out to bat again despite the reports of a fracture on his right foot. He looked in obvious discomfort as he hobbled to complete his singles.

India vice-captain received a roaring welcome from the crowd and earned a lot of praise from former cricketers, including Panesar, but the veteran spinner criticised Stokes for targeting Pant's injured foot (front) with yorkers when he was already struggling with the pain.

"Well, I think he's being very brave, and it's massively risky because you don't want him to get injured further and he has a fractured toe. So, he's done brilliant heroics from him, and he's shown great bravery and shown how strong of a character he is. And it's probably similar to when Anil Kumble had a fractured jawline, what he did then.

"But, I don't know, was it ethical for Ben Stokes to bowl so many yorkers at Pant when he already had a broken toe? it's questionable," Panesar told IANS.

Pant added 17 runs to his last night's total and scored a gritty 54 to rake India's first innings total to 358.

In reply, half-centuries from Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley guided England to 225/2 in 46 overs at stumps, trailing India by 133 runs.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priyanka N
As an Indian fan, I'm proud of Pant's fighting spirit! 💪 But honestly, targeting an injured player does feel unsportsmanlike. Cricket is about skill vs skill, not exploiting injuries. Hope Pant recovers soon!
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Aryan P
Typical English hypocrisy! They lecture about 'spirit of cricket' but do this. Remember Broad not walking in Ashes? Pant showed real guts, that's what matters. Jai Hind!
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Sarah B
As a neutral observer, I think Stokes was within his rights. The medical staff cleared Pant to bat, so he was fair game. Tough but that's professional sport. Pant's innings was inspirational though!
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Vikram M
Where was this ethics debate when our bowlers targeted Smith's concussion in Ashes 2019? Let's be consistent. Pant is a warrior, but if you're on the field, you're fit to play. End of story.
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Nisha Z
As a doctor and cricket fan, I'm more concerned why BCCI medical team allowed Pant to bat with fracture! Stokes did what any competitive captain would do. Our focus should be on player safety protocols.

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