Trouble mounts for India ahead of fourth Test

At Lord’s with Bumrah returning to the playing XI, Akash Deep apparently struggled with his rhythm and could pick only one wicket in the match. He toiled for 23 overs in the first innings without success and bowled only eight overs in the next innings managing a solitary wicket. He also walked out of the field on Day 4 afternoon for some treatment but what ailed him then could not be ascertained.

Even during the training session in Beckenham, on the outskirts of London, on Thursday, Akash Deep did not bowl or bat. He only did a few fitness drills there. It was during India’s first nets at the place after the Lord’s loss, Arshdeep got injured giving the team yet another jolt. He was trying to stop a ball in his follow through but got a cut in his bowling hand in the process. The Punjab pacer is apparently out at least for the upcoming Test.

Workload management has been one of the biggest talking points ahead of any long series – be it at home or overseas – with Bumrah at the centre of discussion. Bumrah played all the five matches Down Under captaining India to victory in the first match at Perth. He, however, suffered lower back injury on the penultimate day of the last Test in Sydney, which kept him out of England’s white-ball tour of India and 2025 Champions Trophy. The pacer then returned to action in the IPL for his franchise Mumbai Indians. Similarly, Siraj was rested for England white-ball series and was not picked for the Champions Trophy.