Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh Injured; Kamboj Drafted In for Manchester Test

Bumrah’s Manchester Return Uncertain Amid Akash Deep, Arshdeep Injury Concerns

India's preparations for the decisive fourth Test against England in Manchester have been severely hit by injuries to their pace bowling unit. Both Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh are allegedly expected to miss the next game, prompting a call-up for Haryana pacer Anshul Kamboj as cover. The fourth Test, which is a part of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, will start on July 23 at Old Trafford.

Injury Woes Mount for Indian Pace Attack

The Indian management is facing a major headache with the fitness of their pace bowlers. Akash Deep, who played a key role in India's 336-run win over England in the second Test at Edgbaston with a ten-wicket haul, is reportedly dealing with a nagging back problem.

This concern first surfaced during the third Test at Lord’s, where he was unable to complete his spells in the second innings and left the field in visible discomfort. Reports suggest he may also be suffering from a groin niggle, which could be compounding his back issues.

This is not the first time Akash Deep has battled back problems, being kept out for three months after suffering the same injury on the Australia tour last season.

Complementing the misfortune, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has suffered an open wound on his bowling hand in a practice session. The injury, sustained while trying to block a shot while executing his follow-through, had to be stitched. While the precise healing period is not formally announced yet, it is reported that he will take at least ten days to recover, effectively keeping him out of the Manchester Test.

Anshul Kamboj Earns Test Call-Up Opportunity

To overcome the injury crisis, the selectors have quickly brought in cover in the form of Anshul Kamboj for the remaining series. The 24-year-old right-arm pacer from Haryana has been impressing with his showing in domestic cricket on a consistent basis.

Kamboj was included in the India A set-up earlier this summer and impressed the selectors with his knack of hitting the deck hard and skiddy bounce. He also recently became the third Indian to take all ten wickets in an innings in the Ranji Trophy. His high domestic performances, totaling 17 wickets in Haryana's Vijay Hazare Trophy win in 2023, have seen him merit this first Test call-up.

Looking Ahead: Will India Risk Bumrah to Save the Series?

Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh's unavailability places an extra burden on the other pace options, especially Jasprit Bumrah. There was an understanding before the tour that Bumrah would play only three Tests to balance his workload.

However, with the series now 2-1 in England's favor, the team management may be compelled to reassess their plan. India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate suggested that the decision to include Bumrah for the Manchester Test would depend on several factors. These include the weather conditions and the overall situation of the series.

If Bumrah does play in Manchester, Akash Deep will likely be rested, with the possibility of rotation including Akash Deep returning for the final Test at The Oval.

The situation also raises questions about other possible changes in the Indian XI, particularly in light of Rishabh Pant's injured finger and Karun Nair's poor batting performance. The administration would look to field its best possible unit to square the series at Old Trafford.