diff --git a/python/pytest/pytest_runner.py b/python/pytest/pytest_runner.py
index 4a0c544b..0fe0be74 100644
--- a/python/pytest/pytest_runner.py
+++ b/python/pytest/pytest_runner.py
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 """Bazel adapter for Pytest."""
 
 import os
+import pathlib
 import sys
 
 import pytest
@@ -12,7 +13,10 @@
     # Support `shard_count` on test targets.
     test_total_shards = os.environ.get("TEST_TOTAL_SHARDS")
     test_shard_index = os.environ.get("TEST_SHARD_INDEX")
+    test_shard_status_file = os.environ.get("TEST_SHARD_STATUS_FILE")
     if test_total_shards:
+        if test_shard_status_file:
+            pathlib.Path(test_shard_status_file).touch()
         extra_args.extend(
             [
                 "--num-shards",