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India's Surprising Latest Move Supports New Keeper-Batter Claims Before Manchester Test

Anurag Dasgupta

Jurel to keep wickets? [Source: AP, ESPNCricinfo Screenshot]Jurel to keep wickets? [Source: AP, ESPNCricinfo Screenshot]

The 4th Test between India and England is still a few days away, but India already has a massive injury-related issue on their hands. The vice-captain of the team, Rishabh Pant, injured his finger on Day 1 of the Lord's Test match and he didn't keep wickets and only played as a pure batter.

In his place, Dhruv Jurel was given the keeping responsibilities as the back-up player did well in the absence of Pant on the field. However, Pant batted in both innings but looked a bit rusty due to the injury he suffered while keeping. 

There is no guarantee that Pant will play in the do-or-die 4th Test match in Manchester for India, and even the assistant coach, Ryan Ten Doeschate gave a subtle hint that the team might look to make a change if Pant is not fully fit.

India to make last-minute change in playing XI?

In the latest visuals posted by ESPNCricinfo, Dhruv Jurel was spotted doing some keeping work ahead of the Manchester Test match. He worked on his keeping skills and by the looks of it, it seems India have decided to go ahead with him as their designated keeper for 4th Test, which India needs to win to stay alive in the Test series.

Jurel in training with T Dilip [Source: ESPNCricinfo] Jurel in training with T Dilip [Source: ESPNCricinfo]

In the visuals, fielding coach, T Dilip was giving valuable advice to Jurel as he gave him some catching practice and also discussed about his positioning as a keeper. 

Pant likely to play as pure batter

Interestingly, despite being in significant pain, Pant batted in both innings at Lord's and scored 74 and 9 runs respectively as India failed to chase down 193 as the hosts took a 2-1 lead in the series. With India needing to win the 4th Test, there is a good chance that Pant could play the game as a pure batter, with Jurel doing the keeping duties.

He is one of India's leading run-getter in the Test series and the management might drop in Karun Nair to include Jurel in the side, meaning Pant can play as a pure batter.