Gill Hints at Kamboj’s Test Debut Amidst Bowling Changes

MANCHESTER: Shubman Gill, the Indian captain, announced on Tuesday that right-arm pacer Akash Deep will miss the fourth Test against England in the ongoing five-match series.

Akash, a leading wicket-taker in the current Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, was uncertain for the match due to a minor groin issue.

Furthermore, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh was already ruled out because of an injury sustained during a training session in Beckenham. The 26-year-old injured his bowling hand while trying to field a shot from Sai Sudharsan in the nets.

During the pre-match press conference, Gill acknowledged the absence of both pacers but expressed confidence in his team’s ability to secure twenty wickets.

“Akash Deep is unavailable, and so is Arshdeep. However, we have capable players to take twenty wickets. It’s not ideal to have different bowlers, but I was prepared,” Gill stated.

Gill also mentioned that Anshul Kamboj, a fast-bowling all-rounder called up as a replacement, is on the verge of his debut, with the final decision between him and Prasidh Krishna to be made on the day of the match.

“He is very close to making his debut. We will decide between Prasidh and Anshul tomorrow,” he added.

India will benefit from the presence of their key pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, who has claimed 12 wickets in two matches at an impressive average of 21.00.

Currently, India trails 2-1 in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy following a close defeat in the third Test.

India squad for fourth Test:

  • Shubman Gill (c)
  • Rishabh Pant (vc & wk)
  • Yashasvi Jaiswal
  • KL Rahul
  • Sai Sudharsan
  • Abhimanyu Easwaran
  • Karun Nair
  • Ravindra Jadeja
  • Dhruv Jurel (WK)
  • Washington Sundar
  • Shardul Thakur
  • Jasprit Bumrah
  • Mohammed Siraj
  • Prasidh Krishna
  • Akash Deep
  • Kuldeep Yadav
  • Anshul Kamboj