The fourth Test will begin on July 23.
Just three nights before the ENG vs IND 4th Test in Manchester, another name has been added to India’s injury woes. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out of the series, as per the latest reports. On Sunday, the 22-year-old injured his left knee during mobility drills in the gym.
England lead the five-match series by 2-1. The upcoming match at the Old Trafford Ground is a virtual series-decider, making it of utmost importance. The action will begin on July 23.
NKR had been an important addition to the squad as a pace all-rounder. While it is certain that he will not feature in the upcoming fixture, his availability for the last Test of the series is too close to call.
This news comes after Nitish’s absence during the practice session in Manchester on Sunday. Moreover, he did not participate in the meet and greet with the Manchester United players at Carrington earlier today. Instead, Nitish went for scans with the health and conditioning coach.
Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and other India players were seen exchanging jerseys and playing gear with the English Premier League football club.
NKR has played two games in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy so far. In the first match, Nitish went wicketless and managed just one run in two innings apiece in Birmingham.
During the first innings of the Lord’s Test, Nitish dismissed both the English openers, Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley. He scalped Crawley once again in the second innings. With the bat, however, Nitish could make just 30 and 13 runs across two innings.
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India would now be riddled with their bowling line-up. Jasprit Bumrah would be focusing on his workload management, while Akash Deep also remains doubtful for the upcoming fixture. On the other hand, Arshdeep Singh is ruled out of the tourney. Anshul Kamboj has been named as the cover.
India may need to make multiple changes for the Manchester Test. They may give a chance to left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who can make an impact on the Old Trafford pitch. In 13 matches, the 30-year-old has scalped a whopping 56 wickets. His maximum number of Test wickets (21) has come against the same opponent.
As per further reports, India are “leaning towards” Bumrah’s inclusion as the team will resume action after an eight-day gap between the two Tests.
It is less likely that Shardul Thakur may get another chance in the fourth Test. The pacer sat out after his underwhelming performance during the first Test in Leeds.
India’s options for their bowling attack can revolve around Siraj and Bumrah as starters. They may be supported by Akash or Kamboj, depending on the availability of the former. Then, India can go with three spinners in Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep. Prasidh Krishna will have to warm the bench again.
Moreover, if Pant is not fit, Dhruv Jurel can be added to the mix as he kept the wickets in the last Test when the designated gloveman sat out due to his finger injury.
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