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The Indian cricket team faces a selection dilemma ahead of the fourth Test against England, primarily concerning their pace bowling attack. Akash Deep, who impressed with ten wickets in a previous match, is currently nursing a groin injury and his availability remains uncertain. This throws open the door for uncapped Anshul Kamboj and Prasidh Krishna to potentially fill the third pacer's slot, alongside the established Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. The team management will need to assess Akash Deep's fitness carefully before making a final decision. The article highlights Akash Deep's restricted participation in the team's first outdoor training session, where he was observed as a spectator while Kamboj and Krishna bowled at full intensity. This suggests that he is unlikely to be fully fit for the upcoming Test match. The situation is further complicated by Arshdeep Singh's hand injury, which has already ruled him out of contention. Kamboj's recent addition to the main squad, initially as a cover for Arshdeep, has added an element of surprise and raises the possibility of a debut for the Haryana pacer. The article emphasizes Kamboj's high-intensity bowling session in the nets, where he bowled alongside Siraj, Bumrah, Prasidh, and Shardul Thakur, indicating that he is a serious contender for selection. Furthermore, Kamboj was also seen practicing batting, suggesting the team might be considering his all-round capabilities. The battle for the third pacer's spot adds intrigue to the team selection process, and the final decision will likely depend on a combination of factors, including Akash Deep's fitness, Kamboj's performance in the nets, and the team management's overall strategy for the match.
Beyond the pace bowling concerns, the article also provides an update on Rishabh Pant's fitness. Pant had sustained a finger injury during the second Test while keeping wickets and appeared to be in discomfort while batting on day five. The article notes that Pant participated in keeping drills and batted pain-free for an hour, suggesting that he has recovered sufficiently to start the fourth Test. Pant's return to full fitness would be a significant boost for the Indian team, as he is a key player in both the batting and wicket-keeping departments. The article also touches upon the potential changes in the batting lineup. There is speculation regarding Karun Nair's place in the playing eleven, with Sai Sudharsan emerging as a potential replacement. Sudharsan was observed taking catching practice in the slip cordon, indicating that he is being considered for a fielding role as well. Furthermore, with Nitish Reddy ruled out due to injury, Yashasvi Jaiswal has returned to catching drills in the slip cordon, suggesting that he will retain his place in the team. The article also mentions Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant facing intense bowling from Mohammed Siraj in the nets, indicating the team's focus on sharpening their batting skills. Bumrah's adjustment to the slippery practice surface further underscores the team's attention to detail and their efforts to adapt to the conditions.
In summary, the article highlights the key selection dilemmas facing the Indian team ahead of the fourth Test against England. The fitness concerns surrounding Akash Deep and the potential debut of Anshul Kamboj add intrigue to the pace bowling department. Rishabh Pant's recovery from injury is a positive sign for the team, while the speculation surrounding Karun Nair's place in the batting lineup adds further uncertainty. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the team's preparations and the various factors that will influence the final selection. The intense practice sessions and the adjustments made by the players reflect the team's determination to perform well in the upcoming Test match. The focus on both batting and bowling, as well as the attention to detail in adapting to the conditions, underscore the team's commitment to excellence. Ultimately, the success of the Indian team in the fourth Test will depend on a combination of factors, including the fitness of key players, the performance of the selected eleven, and the team's ability to execute their strategies effectively. The article provides valuable insights into the team's preparations and the challenges they face as they aim to secure a victory in the series. The dynamic situation surrounding player fitness and team composition keeps the audience engaged and anticipation high for the final team selection.