ENG vs IND: Dhruv Jurel and Kuldeep Yadav likely to be part of XI for fourth test, Rishabh Pant to play as a specialist batter - Reports

Dhruv Jurel might replace Karun Nair in India’s playing XI for the fourth test.

The Indian Cricket Team are pulling their socks up for the fourth test of the five-match series against the England Cricket Team. The match will begin on July 23 at Old Trafford, Manchester. According to reports in Cricblogger, the Shubman Gill-led side is likely to make two changes to their playing XI for the series decider.

Ahead of the next game, India are mulling over the fitness of Rishabh Pant, who sustained a finger injury during the third test at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. He did not keep the wickets, with Dhruv Jurel taking over the duties. However, the left-hander came out to bat in both innings. Now, the reports suggest that Pant is unlikely to keep wickets in the fourth test as well and will be playing as a specialist batter.

Hence, Jurel might be included in the playing XI. He is expected to replace Karun Nair, as the senior batter has struggled to score big in the series. Nair has been part of all three tests, but has failed to score a half-century across six innings, scoring just 131 runs.

Kuldeep Yadav to replace Akash Deep in the fourth test

Moreover, spinner Kuldeep Yadav is expected to replace pacer Akash Deep in the fourth test in Manchester. Akash faced a groin injury during the Lord’s test. As per reports, he has been struggling with a sore back ever since the team arrived in Manchester.

Hence, Akash might be rested in the fourth test, and Kudeep will be picked into the playing XI. Also, Arshdeep Singh is likely to be overlooked for the fourth test as he has sustained an injury during the practice session.

Meanwhile, England lead the five-match test series 2-1. Hence, the fourth test is a must-win game for India to keep their series victory hopes alive. Also, they will lose the series if they fail to win the next encounter. In the past, India have never defeated England in a test match at Old Trafford, Manchester.

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