New Delhi: 

Pacer Anshul Kamboj has reportedly been added as a cover in India’s Test squad for their ongoing series against England after an injury to Arshdeep Singh. Arshdeep has been ruled out of the upcoming 4th Test between India and England at Old Trafford in Manchester after suffering a deep cut in his bowling hand.

What happened to Arshdeep Singh?

Arshdeep Singh suffered a cut on his left hand during Team India’s net session earlier this week. He injured himself while trying to stop a shot from Sai Sudharsan in the follow-through and needed immediate medical attention. Arshdeep has thus been effectively ruled out of the 4th Test in Manchester, pending an official update from the BCCI.

The left-arm pacer was yet to feature in the series, however, an injury scare to fast bowler Akash Deep during the recently concluded third Test at Lord’s could have paved the way for Arshdeep’s debut against England. Akashdeep is dealing with a groin niggle, and there remains suspense over his availability for the 4th Test in Manchester.

With the team dealing with an injury crisis in the pace department and suspense over Jasprit Bumrah’s participation in the 4th Test, Kamboj’s addition to the squad will help India breathe a sigh of relief. Bumrah, who is supposed to play only three of the five Tests in the series, has already featured in two matches, and it remains to be seen if the 4th Test in Manchester will be his final game in the series.

As per a report in the Indian Express, Kamboj has been added as a cover in the absence of Arshdeep, who is expected to take at least ten days to recover fully and start bowling again. Kamboj had toured England with India A ahead of the start of the ongoing five-match Test series between India and the hosts. Kamboj impressed with his pace and accuracy for India A during their unofficial Tests against England Lions.

The 24-year-old pacer from Haryana picked up five wickets in two matches against the England Lions. Many were left surprised when the Indian team management picked Harshit Rana over Kamboj as a cover after an injury concern in the main squad ahead of the first Test against England in Leeds. Kamboj has now pipped others to link up with the rest of the squad in England.

“Arshdeep has a deep cut and has had stitches, he will take at least ten days to get completely fit. The selectors have decided to add Kamboj in the squad,” a BCCI source was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.

Kamboj, a bowling all-rounder, has emerged as one of the consistent performers in the domestic circuit over the last couple of years. The Haryana pacer has 79 wickets to his name in 24 matches in first-class cricket at an average of 22.88, including two five-wicket hauls and a solitary 10-wicket haul. He has 40 wickets to his name in 25 List A matches.

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