India vs England: After Pant’s Punch, Pace Attack Takes Another Hit — Injury Sends Shockwaves Before 4th Test!

Key highlights

 

India's aspirations to orchestrate a series turnaround against England suffered another huge blow: left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh is now almost certain to miss the all-important fourth Test at Old Trafford after suffering a serious hand injury in practice. This comes on the back of uncertainty surrounding Rishabh Pant's finger injury and continuing doubts over Jasprit Bumrah's fitness, adding to selection woes for the Indian camp.

 

How Did the Injury Happen?

 

Arshdeep Singh, a strong contender for his first Test cap, sustained a cut on his bowling hand during a net session on July 17. The incident occurred as he tried to stop a fierce shot from Sai Sudharsan off his own bowling follow-through.

 

Medical personnel took him for evaluation; the cut needed stitching, and Arshdeep was spotted with his left hand wrapped heavily during practice as the team reached Manchester.

 

Influence on Team Selection

 

Reports suggest Arshdeep is "likely to be unavailable" for the fourth Test beginning July 23 since the injury requires time to heal and also brings into question his capacity to grip and bowl properly.

 

The Indian Express and other reports state the team will observe his recovery for a potential place in the fifth Test but have ruled him out for the next match short of a quick, surprise turnaround.

 

Compounding the difficulty, fellow pacer Akash Deep is also questionable with a groin niggle, which has left India's pace resources thin at a crucial juncture.

 

Series Implications and Next Steps India is 2-1 down in the five-match series after a close loss at Lord's. With two must-win matches left for a series revival, the absence of fresh pace options through injury adds to the burden on regulars such as Bumrah and Siraj.

 

Team management, headed by assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, conceded the call on bowling combinations will come down to the last minute, as they manage fitness and form within the remaining squad.

 

Any update on Arshdeep’s availability for the fifth Test will depend on the pace of his recovery and the medical team’s assessment later in the tour.

 

Sources: NDTV Sports, Sportskeeda, Indian Express