Akash Deep, who played a crucial role in India’s victory at Edgbaston, may not be available for the Old Trafford Test. According to Indian media, the pacer is struggling with a groin injury that caused him discomfort during the Lord’s Test, forcing him off the field midway through the match.
The fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy begins this Wednesday in Manchester. India currently trails 2-1 in the five-match series.
At Lord’s, Akash bowled only 8 overs in England’s second innings, taking the wicket of Harry Brook in his fourth over. During the spell, he was seen holding his hip, and a physio attended to him. He left the field during drinks break but later returned, though he did not bowl again. As a nightwatchman, he batted at the end of the fourth day but faced just 11 balls.
At Edgbaston, Akash took 4 wickets in the first innings and 6 in the second to help India to a commanding 336-run victory. Despite the win, India captain Shubman Gill, who scored centuries in both innings, won the Player of the Match award.
India received another blow when Arshdeep Singh injured his left hand during practice at Beckenham on Thursday. His bowling arm was seen bandaged, though it’s unclear if he will require stitches.
While Arshdeep has represented India in ODIs and T20Is, he has yet to make his Test debut. Having taken 66 wickets in 21 first-class matches, his chance to debut on this England tour is now uncertain due to injury.
Due to injuries to Akash and Arshdeep, India has called up Anshul Kambhoj as cover for the final two Tests against England.
Anshul performed well for India A during the England Lions series. In two first-class matches and three innings, the 24-year-old right-arm pacer took five wickets, conceding just over three runs per over.
So far, Anshul has played 24 first-class matches, taking 79 wickets. He is also a capable batsman, having scored 486 runs including a fifty.
In the most recent IPL, he played for Chennai Super Kings, taking 8 wickets in 8 matches.
