“Bumrah, Akash Deep won’t play together” in IND vs ENG 4th Test

Amid injury scares and debates on workload management of players, a report has shed light on how India’s playing XI could possibly look like in Manchester. While India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed earlier this week that Jasprit Bumrah is all but confirmed to feature in IND vs ENG 4th Test, Akash Deep is struggling with a reported back injury. Now, a report has claimed that Bumrah and Akash will not play together in the remaider of the 2 Tests.

No Bumrah, Akash Deep combo for IND vs ENG 4th Test

As per Times of India, a source has claimed that if Bumrah plays in Manchester, then he will be replaced by Akash Deep in the IND vs ENG 5th Test. The source pointed out that it was already decided that Bumrah will only play three Tests and the team intends to stick to that. Additionally, the source said that Akash’s back injury flaring up again makes it impossible for the duo to play together again in this series.

“Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep won’t be playing together in the remaining two Tests. It was decided before the tour that Bumrah would only play three Tests in this series, and now with Akash’s back niggle flaring up, we cannot see both of them playing in the XI together,” a source said.

Bumrah has already featured in two Tests so far in the ongoing series – in Leeds and at Lord’s. With the series poised in England’s favour at the moment, India have no option but to play Bumrah in the must-win IND vs ENG 4th Test.

Meanwhile, Akash Deep suffered a groin injury scare on Day 4 of IND vs ENG 3rd Test. He limped off the field and was struggling to complete his overs later. Reports meanwhile claimed that the bowler had developed a sore back on the team reaching Manchester and that the support staff are doing their best to get him match ready on time.

On the other hand, Arshdeep Singh is all but confirmed to be ruled out for the 4th Test as he sustained a cut on his hand while training. As a result, Anshul Kamboj has been added to India’s squad just before the Manchester match.