India Faces Setback in Pace Attack Ahead of Fourth Test

MANCHESTER: Prior to the fourth Test against England, scheduled to commence on July 23 at Old Trafford, India’s pace attack has encountered another hurdle. Reports indicate that fast bowler Akash Deep is likely to be excluded due to a back injury.

This development follows Arshdeep Singh’s earlier sidelining this week, owing to a hand injury sustained during practice.

Consequently, the Indian team’s management has summoned pacer Anshul Kamboj as injury cover for both Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh.

Akash, who was instrumental in India’s sole victory of the series at Edgbaston, reportedly suffered a groin strain during the Lord’s Test.

He exited the field during the second innings and, despite his subsequent return, did not bowl again that day.

Concerns regarding his fitness were heightened when he also missed a net session before the team’s journey to Manchester.

Reports suggest that Akash is grappling with a recurring back issue, casting significant doubt on his participation in the fourth Test.

While the team initially intended for Jasprit Bumrah to participate in only three Tests this series, Akash’s likely absence may now see Bumrah spearheading the attack in Manchester.

Arshdeep is anticipated to require at least ten more days to recuperate from the cut on his bowling hand, further diminishing India’s fast-bowling options for the crucial match.

The young pacer Anshul Kamboj has been included as a precautionary measure and could potentially make his debut if both Akash and Arshdeep are deemed unfit.

Notably, England secured a narrow 22-run victory against India in the third Test of the five-match series at Lord’s last week.

In pursuit of a 193-run target, India’s batting order collapsed for 170, despite a determined half-century from Ravindra Jadeja lower down the order.

England’s captain, Ben Stokes, was awarded Player of the Match for his exceptional all-round display.

With this triumph, England now leads the series 2-1. The fourth Test is slated to be held at Old Trafford in Manchester from July 23 to 27.

India squad for England Tests:
Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akashdeep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Anshul Kamboj.

Schedule for India’s tour of England 2025: