India skipper Shubman Gill has now confirmed that the visitors will miss the services of fast bowler Akash Deep for the upcoming ENG vs IND 4th Test at Manchester, slated to start from July 23. Notably, Akash has been suffering from a groin issue and won’t be fit in time for the decisive clash.
The development comes at a bad time for India with the series on the line alongside an already depleted lineup with multiple injury concerns. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has already been ruled out of the series with a knee injury while Arshdeep Singh is ineligible for selection for the Manchester game after he hurt his bowling arm.
Given the current scenario, it is now understood that Anshul Kamboj, who was added to the squad as a backup for Arshdeep is likely to earn his Test debut.
Echoing on the same lines, Shubman Gill told media during the pre-match press conference, “Anshul Kamboj is very close to making his debut. Tomorrow, we will see between him and Prasidh Krishna and take a call.”
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With Nitish, Arshdeep and Akash Deep out of contention, Kamboj is the best option for India to go with although they have Prasidh Krishna in the ranks. Prasidh, however, failed to impress in the first two Tests that he featured, picking up only six wickets from the 62 overs he bowled at an average of 55.16.
On the other hand, Kamboj is the most ideal replacement for Akash Deep. Both bowlers are right-arm seamers and can exploit movement off the pitch. Kamboj also boasts an impressive record with the red-ball in first-class cricket as well – snaring 79 wickets at 22.88 since 2022. He also had a good tour with India A against the England Lions prior to the main series.
India has so far gone with a four-pacer and two spinner strategy barring the opening game but the multiple injuries have now created a conundrum. While Kamboj can join Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in the pace attack, the fourth pacer option remains in question. India has Shardul Thakur who did not play after the first game and can bring him in to substitute Nitish or opt for another extra spinner in Kuldeep Yadav.
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