Akash Deep’s back injury triggers panic; Jasprit Bumrah rotation strategy revealed ahead of Manchester Test

India, led by Shubman Gill, have suffered another setback ahead of the fourth Test against England, which is set to commence on July 23 at Old Trafford in Manchester. Akash Deep is likely to miss the upcoming match due to a back issue, following Arshdeep Singh being ruled out with a hand injury.

Akash Deep is uncertain for the fourth Test against England after struggling to complete his spells in the second innings at Lord’s. The right-arm pacer also skipped bowling in a recent net session before India's departure to Manchester.

With fitness concerns over fast bowlers, the team management has called up Haryana pacer Anshul Kamboj as cover for Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh.

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Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep Unlikely to Play Together in Remaining Two Tests

Akash Deep is reportedly struggling with a recurring back issue. According to a report by TimesofIndia.com, Akash is unlikely to feature alongside Jasprit Bumrah in the remaining two Tests.

The team management had planned for Bumrah to play only three matches in the series. With Akash's back problem, the plan appears to be for Bumrah to play the Manchester Test, while Akash could return for the final match at The Oval.

"Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep won't be playing together in the remaining two Tests," a source tracking the development told TimesofIndia.com.

"It was decided before the tour that Bumrah will only play three Tests in this series, and now with Akash's back niggle flaring up, we can't see both of them playing in the XI together."

"If Bumrah plays in Manchester, then Akash will sit out. At The Oval, Akash will replace Bumrah," said the source.

Akash Forced to Walk Off the Field in Visible Discomfort During Lord’s Test

During Day 4 of the third Test at Lord’s, Akash walked off the field in visible discomfort during the 28th over of England’s innings, clutching his lower back as he headed to the dressing room with the team physio. He later returned to the field but didn’t resume bowling that day.

"He is walking very gingerly. Not a good sign for India,” former England captain Michael Atherton had said in commentary.

The incident has raised concerns due to Akash’s history of injuries. He had missed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the initial phase of IPL 2025 due to similar back issues. The pacer was also forced to delay joining the Lucknow Super Giants by two weeks during the IPL season.

Akash Deep's 10-wicket haul helped India to 336-run win in the 2nd Test

Akash Deep played a pivotal role in India’s massive 336-run victory over England at Edgbaston. He took a 10-wicket haul with figures of 4/88 in the first innings and 6/99 in the second. The Bengal pacer helped India level the five-match series after their defeat in the opening Test at Leeds.

Team India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate hinted at Akash's fitness concerns, revealing that the pacer didn’t bowl in a training session. He also mentioned that Arshdeep Singh was unavailable due to a hand injury.

"Arsh going away there after he cut his hand and Akash not bowling today. Sometimes we run a bit thin, and if we think the practice is good, someone bowling 20 yards and a bit taller and shaking a new ball, it is good practice for the batters," said the coach.

Also read: Watch: Tammy Beaumont escapes after 'cheating' accusation by India, here's what the law says about Obstructing the Field