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Arshdeep Singh Ruled Out, Akash Deep Doubtful For 4th Test Vs England: Report

Anurag Dasgupta

Two key pacers injured [Source: AP Photo] Two key pacers injured [Source: AP Photo]

Arshdeep Singh, the left-arm seamer, was slated to debut in the Manchester Test vs England, but it seems he has to wait for a bit longer as the pace bowler is likely to be ruled out of the 4th Test match due to an injury he sustained during a practice session on Thursday. The lanky pacer suffered a cut on his bowling hand while trying to stop a ball hit by Sai Sudharsan.

“He has stitches on his hand and is likely won’t be available for the fourth Test match, the Indian team will see if he is ready for the fifth Test or not,” a source informed Indian Express.

There was no guarantee that Arshdeep would have made his Test debut in Manchester, but if the team management were planning to rest either of Jasprit Bumrah or Mohammed Siraj, then the Punjab seamer would have been the front-runner to earn his Test spot.

Akash Deep doubtful for 4th Test

Not only Arshdeep, India, is also worried about Akash Deep, who struggled with a groin injury and his participation also remains under dark clouds, and India has limited options left for the 4th Test match.

The pacer didn't bowl in the net sessions organised before the team left for Manchester, and his absence will hurt the Indian team as he was a key component in India's win at Edgbaston.

Who will India play if Akash Deep, Arshdeep are unavailable?

If the two seamers are unavailable, India have limited options when it comes to the pace battery. As per assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate, the team management is leaning towards the inclusion of Jasprit Bumrah for the fourth Test match, which leaves two spots vacant.

With two key pacers likely to be ruled out, Siraj won't get any rest and he will play the Manchester Test. Also, Prasidh Krishna, who was dropped from the third Test match is likely to get his game-time, and perhaps one last chance to prove his worth.