Why India Should Replace Akash Deep With Anshul Kamboj For The 4th Test vs England In Manchester

Anshul Kamboj - (Source:@Johns/X.com)

India will lock horns against England for the fourth Test on July 23 at the Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester. The Shubman Gill-led side are still in search of their first 'W' in Manchester, and the upcoming clash is also crucial as the series is on line with the visitors trailing 1-2. 

Ahead of the do-or-die match, India are sweating over their pacer's fitness as Akash Deep is doubtful for the fourth Test because of a groin injury, while Arshdeep Singh is all but ruled out for the Manchester Test because he suffered a cut to his bowling hand in training a few days ago.

Anshul Kamboj Added As Cover To India Squad

In the wake of recent injuries, the BCCI has reportedly added star pacer Anshul Kamboj as an injury cover, and the addition to the squad is most likely to be confirmed soon by the apex cricket board of India. 

Looking at the pattern in the first three Tests, India have gone ahead with three frontline pacers. Now with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj already there, the third spot is up for grabs. 

It is a tight contention as Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, and Anshul Kamboj are all fighting to grab that spot. Meanwhile, this article will look at why Anshul deserves to make his India debut in the Manchester Test. 

1. Strong Domestic Season

Anshul Kamboj is coming off a great domestic season as he wreaked havoc with the ball for Haryana in the recently concluded Ranji Trophy. Notably, the 24-year-old took 34 wickets in 12 innings, registering a strike-rate of 29.

He also took a 10-wicket haul in one of the matches and joined the elite list featuring Anil Kumble. Other than the Ranji Trophy, Kamboj also took 16 wickets in five innings.

2. Recent Show In England And India Stars Being Out Of Form

Notably, Anshul Kamboj was part of the India A squad recently that travelled to England for the India A vs England Lions series. Kamboj bowled in three innings and took five wickets. 

Kamboj looked in great shape and the fans touted for his inclusion in the main squad, but the management went ahead with Harshit Rana and asked the KKR star to stay back, a decision which was reversed after the first Test.

Nonetheless, the recent development is positive news for Anshul as he doesn't need to adapt to the conditions and is already aware of the situation in England. 

3. Rest Of The Bowlers Struggling

Further, the rest of the bowlers who are not in the playing XI are also struggling. 

Talking about Prasidh Krishna, he is a 29-year-old who has played two matches in the England Tests and taken just six wickets. Further, the IPL purple cap winner looked out of shape and gave away runs at an economy of 5.34.

Thus, it wouldn't make sense for India to bring back Krishna. Further, Akash Deep also had a great match when Bumrah missed the 2nd Test, but struggled to shine at his brightest in the third Test.  Also, with the groin injury popping up, Shubman Gill and co should look to bring Anshul Kamboj.

4. Kamboj can add With The Bat

One of the major issues persisting within Indian cricket for a long time has been a struggling tail, which got exploited in the ongoing series. However, Kamboj's inclusion can solve that issue to an extent, as the right-arm seamer is good with the bat and also scored a fifty in the India A vs England Lions unofficial Tests. 

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