Big Blow! India's Hero At Birmingham Likely To Miss Must-Win 4th Test Vs England: Report
Photo : AP
India are all set to take on England in the fourth Test of the five-match series at the Old Trafford in Manchester. This will be a must win match for the Shubman Gill-led side,as they are trailing the series by a margin of 1-2 after the heartbreaking loss at Lord's. A defeat in Manchester would mean that they would lose the series with the final match still to be played. Before this must-win game, India have been dealt with a big blow as they will miss a player who has been pretty impactful for them in the series, especially in their sole win at Edgbaston.
According to a report by The Times of India, star India pacer Akash Deep is dealing with a back issue that he suffered during the third Test at Lord's. He had difficulty in completing his overs in the second innings of the game. He is now doubtful to play the fourth Test at Manchester. He will, however play the fifth Test vs England at Oval.
Jasprit Bumrah on the other hand, is expected to play the fourth Test, and then miss the fifth Test, as he had declared that he would play only three Tests in the series owing to workload management issues.
"Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep won’t be playing together in the remaining two Tests," a source tracking the development told the publication.
"It was decided before the tour that Bumrah will only play three Tests in this series, and now with Akash’s back niggle flaring up, we can’t see both of them playing in the XI together." "If Bumrah plays in Manchester, then Akash will sit out. At The Oval, Akash will replace Bumrah," the source added.
Anshul Kamboj Drafted In
According to a report by The Indian Express, India have added 24-year-old Chennai Super Kings and Haryana pacer Anshul Kamboj into the squad as cover. Kamboj was part of the India A team that played two unofficial Tests vs England Lions and an intra-squad game against the main squad prior to the start of the series.
Arshdeep Singh suffered a cut on his left-hand while bowling practice before the 4th Test vs England. The Indian Express report states that this cut needs 10 days to recover. This means it is unlikely he could be available for selection for the 4th Test.
“Arshdeep has a deep cut and has had stitches, he will take at least ten days to get completely fit. The selectors have decided to add Kamboj in the squad,” a source close the proceedings told the publication.
