India pacer Akash Deep is unlikely to play the fourth Test against England, scheduled to begin on July 23 at Old Trafford in Manchester.
The Indian team hit the nets on Sunday, two days ahead of the crucial series-deciding encounter. Akash Deep, who picked up a groin injury during the Lord’s Test, was present but did not take part in the fielding drills, which lasted about 30 minutes. Instead, he bowled for the same duration in what appeared to be a fitness assessment rather than a full-intensity session. The session was closely monitored by bowling coach Morne Morkel and team physio Kamlesh Jain.
At the end of the session, Akash Deep was seen returning to the dressing room and needed support while climbing the stairs—another clear sign that he may not be fit in time for the Manchester Test.
Selection headache for India
This development marks the third injury setback for India in a single day. Earlier, the BCCI confirmed that Nitish Kumar Reddy, one of the standout performers at Lord’s, had suffered a serious knee injury and would miss the remainder of the series. Additionally, Arshdeep Singh has been ruled out of the fourth Test due to a left thumb injury.
Akash Deep was one of the architects of India’s famous win at Edgbaston, claiming ten wickets across both innings. His standout performance secured him a place in the Lord’s Test, but with his availability now in doubt, India may turn to either Anshul Kamboj or Prasidh Krishna to fill the third seamer’s role.
Amid the injury concerns, Jasprit Bumrah is set to retain his place for his second consecutive Test in the series. Despite workload management discussions throughout the series, India’s pace spearhead is expected to take the field in Manchester as they aim to level the series.
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