India fast bowler Arshdeep Singh is unlikely to be available for selection for the fourth Test against England in Manchester, starting July 23, after sustaining an injury during training.
The left-arm pacer picked up a cut on his bowling hand while trying to stop a shot from Sai Sudharsan during a nets session in Beckenham on Thursday. He was later seen with his hand bandaged, and the injury required stitches, casting serious doubt over his participation in the upcoming Test.
Speaking after the training session, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate acknowledged the setback, indicating that Arshdeep’s fitness would be closely monitored in the lead-up to the match.
“We’ll take a call on the combination we play, particularly given the Arshdeep situation as well, we’ll make that call closer to Manchester,” said Doeschate during the press-conference. “He took a ball while he was bowling there, Sai had a ball and he tried to stop it and it’s just a cut, so we have to see how bad the cut is. Obviously the medical team has taken him off to see a doctor and obviously if he needs stitches or doesn’t need stitches that’s going to be important to our planning for the next few days.”
Although Arshdeep hasn’t played a single game so far this series, his injury further complicates India’s selection options, especially with other players also nursing injuries. Rishabh Pant is still recovering from a finger injury sustained at Lord’s and may not keep wickets in Manchester. Meanwhile, pacer Akash Deep is dealing with a groin niggle and didn’t bowl during the latest practice session.
With the series hanging in the balance, Jasprit Bumrah is expected to return to the XI. Mohammed Siraj is also set to play, but the third seamer’s spot remains uncertain amid Arshdeep and Akash Deep’s fitness concerns.
The Indian team arrived in Manchester on Saturday as they will look to to level the five-match series after a narrow defeat in the third Test at Lord’s.
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