India’s bowling preparations for the crucial fourth Test at Old Trafford have been dealt a significant blow, with two key fast bowlers facing injury concerns that could reshape the team’s strategy for the Manchester encounter. The development has sent ripples through the Indian camp as they prepare for what could be a series-defining match.
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The Double Injury Blow
The Indian cricket team received unwelcome news during their training camp in Beckenham, where Akash Deep sustained a groin injury while Arshdeep Singh hurt his bowling hand during a training session follow-through. These setbacks have forced the team management to reassess their bowling options for the fourth Test, which begins on July 23 at Old Trafford.
Akash Deep, who has been instrumental in India’s bowling attack, was notably absent from bowling drills during the team’s training session. The right-arm fast bowler, who delivered a match-winning 10-wicket haul in Birmingham to help India draw level in the series, has been struggling with fitness issues. During the Lord’s Test, he walked off the field on the fourth afternoon for treatment, though the nature of his injury wasn’t disclosed at the time.
The Bengal pacer’s contribution to India’s campaign cannot be understated. His ability to extract bounce and movement from English conditions made him a valuable asset in the team’s bowling arsenal. However, his groin niggle now threatens his participation in the crucial Manchester Test.
Arshdeep Singh’s Training Ground Misfortune
Arshdeep Singh, who remains uncapped in Test cricket but has been knocking on the door for selection, suffered his injury in unfortunate circumstances. The left-arm pacer was enthusiastic about his training session, reportedly saying, “I’ll bowl a lot today, cover all the work of a week, and then go and shop.” However, his training session was cut short when he hurt his bowling hand during his follow-through.
The Punjab bowler was seen walking off the training ground with his bowling hand taped, raising questions about the severity of the injury. While it remains unclear whether stitches were required, Arshdeep’s injury has complicated India’s selection plans for the fourth Test. The left-armer was considered a strong contender for inclusion, especially if Akash Deep was ruled out due to his fitness concerns.
Strategic Implications for Team India
These injuries have placed India in a precarious position, with the team management now forced to reconsider their bowling combination for the fourth Test. The series currently stands at 2-1 in England’s favor following their thrilling 22-run victory at Lord’s, making the upcoming Manchester Test crucial for both teams.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Participation Under Spotlight
The injury concerns surrounding Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh have intensified discussions about Jasprit Bumrah’s participation in the fourth Test. India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate had previously indicated that the team was “leaning towards” playing their star fast bowler in Manchester, given the series situation.
However, Bumrah’s selection will depend on multiple factors, including the weather conditions in Manchester and the overall fitness of the bowling unit. The team management has been careful about managing Bumrah’s workload throughout the series, making his potential inclusion a calculated risk.
Mohammed Siraj’s Workload Concerns
Mohammed Siraj has been India’s most consistent fast bowler throughout the series, playing all three Tests and bowling the most overs among the visiting team’s pacers. Ten Doeschate acknowledged that Siraj’s workload needs careful management, especially with the possibility of key players being unavailable for the fourth Test.
The Hyderabad pacer’s stamina and fitness will be crucial if India is forced to play with a depleted bowling attack. His ability to maintain pace and accuracy over extended spells could prove decisive in Manchester.
Anshul Kamboj: The Rising Star Gets His Chance
In response to the injury crisis, Indian selectors have called up Anshul Kamboj as cover for the final two Tests of the five-match series. The 24-year-old Haryana fast bowler represents a promising talent who has impressed in recent domestic and A-team performances.
Kamboj’s Recent Form and Style
Kamboj is described as a stocky right-arm fast bowler with the ability to be skiddy and extract bounce from the surface when needed. His recent performances with the India A squad have caught the attention of selectors, particularly his four-wicket haul in the second unofficial Test in Northampton.
The young pacer’s versatility was on display during the same match, where he contributed significantly with the bat, sharing an unbroken 149-run partnership with Tanush Kotian. This all-round capability adds depth to his selection prospects.
Current Squad Dynamics
| Player | Status | Role | Series Matches Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akash Deep | Doubtful (Groin injury) | Right-arm fast bowler | 2 Tests |
| Arshdeep Singh | Doubtful (Bowling hand injury) | Left-arm fast bowler | 0 Tests |
| Mohammed Siraj | Available | Right-arm fast bowler | 3 Tests |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Under consideration | Right-arm fast bowler | 2 Tests (this series) |
| Prasidh Krishna | Available | Right-arm fast bowler | 2 Tests |
| Shardul Thakur | Available | Bowling all-rounder | 1 Test |
| Anshul Kamboj | Called up as cover | Right-arm fast bowler | 0 Tests |
The Road Ahead
The Indian team management faces tough decisions as they prepare for the Old Trafford encounter. With the series on the line and key bowlers potentially unavailable, the team’s depth and adaptability will be tested. The medical assessments of both Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh will be crucial in determining the final team composition.
India’s bowling coach and medical team will work around the clock to assess the severity of both injuries. The team is scheduled for a media briefing on Monday, which should provide clearer insights into the availability of both players for the fourth Test.
The Manchester Test represents a crucial juncture in the series, with India needing to win to keep their hopes alive of retaining the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The injury concerns add another layer of complexity to an already challenging situation for the visiting team.
As the cricketing world watches with anticipation, India’s ability to overcome these setbacks and field a competitive bowling attack will determine their chances of leveling the series. The potential debut of Anshul Kamboj could provide a silver lining to what has otherwise been a challenging week for the Indian camp.
Read More: Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Devastating Knee Injury Threatens to End England vs India Test Series
FAQs
What injuries have Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh sustained?
Akash Deep has picked up a groin niggle, while Arshdeep Singh hurt his bowling hand during his follow-through in a training session at Beckenham.
Who is Anshul Kamboj and why was he called up?
Anshul Kamboj is a 24-year-old right-arm fast bowler from Haryana who was called up as cover following the injuries to Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh. He recently impressed with the India A squad.
Will Jasprit Bumrah play in the fourth Test?
India’s assistant coach indicated they are “leaning towards” playing Bumrah in Manchester, but his selection depends on various factors including weather conditions and the fitness of other bowlers.
How critical is the fourth Test for both teams?
The fourth Test is crucial as England leads 2-1. India needs to win to keep series hopes alive, while England can secure the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy with a draw or win.
When will India’s final team composition be announced?
The team is expected to provide clearer updates on player availability during their media briefing scheduled for Monday, ahead of the July 23 Test start.
