England vs India, 4th Test: Will India play Akash Deep at Manchester?

The phrase 'Cricket is a great leveller' is eternal. Time and again, we see incidents that prove this term right. Take Akash Deep for instance. Two weeks ago, he could do no wrong as his ten-wicket match haul saw India becoming the first Asian side to beat England at Edgbaston.

 

However, within a week fortunes swing upside down for Deep who picked just a solitary wicket at Lord's. More than the lack of runs, it's the lack of potency from him that appeared surprising. Considering that Edgbaston was a much flatter and easy-paced deck to Lord's, Deep himself would have hoped to put on another stellar show. Whether it was the famous slope of the venue or fitness concerns, Deep looked out of sorts in the third Test. There were multiple instances of him spending time with the team physiotherapist between overs in the third Test.

 

The latest from the Indian camp is that the 28-year-old could be in doubt for the fourth Test at Manchester starting on Wednesday (July 23).

 

In the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the IPL season that followed, Deep had suffered from critical injuries that kept him on the sidelines for long periods. On July 17, the Indian team had an optional nets and training session at Beckenham. It was primarily meant to be a light day of preparation with some warm-up drills. According to Indian Express, Akash Deep wasn't participating in the net sessions or in the drills. This adds further suspense on what bowling combination India will opt for in the fourth Test. While there is no official confirmation yet, Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be in the playing XI.

 

The BCCI medical staff had previously advised the pacer against playing successive Tests but with the long break between the third and fourth Tests, and the series scoreline as it is, Bumrah should feature at Old Trafford. That leaves the think tank with the other two fast bowling spots. If Deep has multiple issues to ponder upon, Mohammed Siraj has been regular workhorse for the Indian team across all formats. In Tests alone, his workload has been exemplary and managing him will also be in the mind of the team management.

 

However, the solution to this isn't easy. Prasidh Krishna looked terribly off-colour in the first two Tests of the series and Arshdeep Singh hurt his finger during practice at Beckenham. Then there is Shardul Thakur who was dropped after the opening game of the series. If Deep isn't unfit, it does feel like he will be persisted with, as one off-game is not reason enough to drop a player. That said, it is going to be a testing week ahead for Deep, should he get the chance to play at Old Trafford.

 

With all the talk around Bumrah and Siraj, India need their support seamer to step up. To his credit, Deep stole the thunder at Edgbaston but went missing at Lord's. If India are to stage a comeback at Manchester, he will need to stand up.

 

 

 

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