ENG vs IND: Akash Deep ruled out of fourth test, confirms Shubman Gill

Akash Deep has picked 11 wickets in the ongoing ENG vs IND test series.

India have suffered a massive blow as their seamer Akash Deep has been ruled out of the fourth test against England. Indian skipper Shubman Gill confirmed the development a day before the fourth test, which begins on Wednesday, July 23 at Old Trafford, Manchester.

India were already jolted with injuries to Nitish Kumar Reddy (Knee), and Arshdeep Singh (thumb). While Arshdeep is ruled out of the fourth test, Reddy is ruled out of remainder of the tournament.

The fourth test of the five-match series between England and India for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 is a crucial one for the visitors as they have to win the encounter to keep their hopes of series win alive. After first three tests, the hosts currently lead the five-match series 2-1.

Akash Deep ruled out of fourth test due to groin injury

During the pre-match press conference, Indian captain Shubman Gill confirmed that Akash Deep, who registered his best bowling figures in the Edgbaston test in absence of Jasprit Bumrah, has been ruled out of the fourth test at Manchester’s Old Trafford with a groin injury.

“Nitish Reddy has been ruled out of the series. Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh have been ruled out of the 4th Test match. But we have great players in the team and we will focus on how to take 20 wickets,” said Gill at the pre-match press conference.

Anshul Kamboj highly likely to make his test debut after Akash Deep’s ouster

Notably, India have added seamer Anshul Kamboj to their squad for remainder of the series and he is most likely to make his test debut in the Manchester test. Kamboj boasts a good record in First-Class (FC) cricket. He has so far played 24 FC matches and has taken 79 wickets at an average of 22.88. With the bat, he has scored 486 runs with a best of 51*.

After Gill confirmed that Akash Deep has been ruled out of the fourth test in Manchester, he also dropped a hint that Anshul Kamboj, who earned his maiden test call-up, is likely to make his debut in the test match starting on Wednesday.

“We have seen him (Anshul Kamboj) enough. He knows exactly what we want. He is there because he knows that he can win us the match. Yes, it is not ideal to go back after every match and have a different combination. But yes, he is very close to making a debut. It will be a toss-up between him and Prasidh,” said Gill.

Meanwhile, England have already announced their playing XI for the fourth test with one change – spinner Liam Dawson has replaced injured Shoaib Bashir. Notably, India have never won a test match against England in Manchester in the past.

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