Daijiworld Media Network – Manchester

Manchester, Jul 20: India’s left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh is unlikely to be available for the fourth Test against England starting July 23 in Manchester, after sustaining a hand injury during a training session at Beckenham.

The uncapped pacer injured his left hand while attempting to stop a straight drive from Sai Sudharsan during his follow-through in nets on Thursday. Following the incident, Arshdeep was seen with a bandaged bowling hand as the Indian team arrived in Manchester on Saturday, looking to bounce back after their defeat at Lord’s.

Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed the injury, saying, “He took a ball while bowling, and it’s just a cut. The medical team has taken him to a doctor to assess if he needs stitches. That will determine our planning for the next few days.”

Although Arshdeep was yet to break into the playing XI this series, he was being considered as a possible replacement in case senior pacers Jasprit Bumrah or Mohammed Siraj were rested for workload management. The pace attack at Lord’s featured Bumrah, Siraj, and Akash Deep.

However, team management now faces further uncertainty with Akash Deep also nursing a groin niggle. With Siraj having played all three Tests so far, he too is a candidate for rest.

A final call on the playing combination will be taken closer to the match day, with Arshdeep’s fitness still under review.