Will Anshul Kamboj Make His International Debut at IND vs ENG 4th Test in Old Trafford?

India and England are set to clash against each other in the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in Manchester. Ahead of the fourth Test against England, the Indian camp have suffered a major roadblock. Two of their fast bowlers, Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh, have suffered injuries just days before the match.
The fourth Test will begin on July 23 at Old Trafford in Manchester. As of now, India are trailing 2-1 in the five-match series and they must win the fourth Test to stay alive in the contest for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

Will there be Anshul Kamboj Debut in 4th Test?

With injuries weakening the pace attack, the Indian selectors have added Haryana’s fast bowler Anshul Kamboj to the squad. Kamboj is 24 years old and yet to make his international debut. There is now a real possibility that he could play his first Test for India at Old Trafford.

Arshdeep Singh hurt his bowling hand while bowling in the nets during a training session in Beckenham on Thursday. He was seen taping his hand afterwards and it is not clear if he required stitches. Akash Deep, on the other hand, has a groin issue. He did not bowl or bat during the training session but was seen doing light fitness drills. He was under the supervision of trainer Adrian Le Roux.

Akash Deep played a major role in India’s win in the second Test in Birmingham, by taking 10 wickets. However, in the third Test at Lord’s, he managed only one wicket and appeared to struggle. He even walked off the field on Day 4 for some treatment.
India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate had earlier said Arshdeep’s injury had affected the team’s planning. Now, Akash Deep’s unavailability has added to their problems.

Who is Anshul Kamboj?

Anshul Kamboj is a bowling all-rounder from Haryana who represents CSK in IPL. He is known for his ability to swing the new ball, which makes him a key player in the powerplay. Kamboj can be a valuable player in English conditions, and has already impressed the selectors while playing for India A.
He was a part of the India A team that played against England Lions before the senior men's Test series began. In the second match at Northampton, Kamboj picked up four wickets and also made a stellar contribution with the bat, sharing a 149-run stand with Tanush Kotian.

Anshul Kamboj debut in the 4th Test is a high possibility given India's growing list of injury concerns. The allrounder can be beneficial in the English conditions, suitable for seam and swing. Now, he is in line for a big opportunity. If Akash Deep and Arshdeep are ruled out, Anshul Kamboj 4th Test availability can be real.

Will Jasprit Bumrah Return at Old Trafford?

With both Arshdeep and Akash Deep uncertain, the chances of Jasprit Bumrah playing the fourth Test have increased. Bumrah was rested for the second Test at Edgbaston. He is India’s top pace bowler and a key part of their plans.

Ten Doeschate recently said that India would “lean towards” playing Bumrah if the series was on the line. That is now the case. However, the final call on Bumrah will depend on several factors including the pitch, the weather in Manchester, and the fitness of the rest of the bowling attack.
Mohammed Siraj is the only fast bowler who has played all three Tests so far. He has bowled the most overs for India in the series and may need some rest.

Prasidh Krishna played the first two Tests but has not looked promising. Meanwhile Shardul Thakur, who played the first Test, could return as a pace-bowling allrounder. Still, with two pace bowlers injured, Anshul Kamboj England tour inclusion is a sign that India are short of options.