Huge boost for India: Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh resume bowling after being ruled out of Manchester Test
### India Receives Positive News with Return of Pacers Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh for Day 3 of Fourth Test Match Against England
India received a much-needed boost before the start of the third day of the fourth Test match against England at Old Trafford in Manchester on Friday, July 25. Pacers Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh, who were initially ruled out of the ongoing Test match due to injuries, were spotted on the field during the pre-day warm-up session.
#### Positive Development for Team India
Led by Shubman Gill, the Indian team made significant changes to their playing XI for the ongoing match. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Akash Deep, along with Arshdeep Singh, who is yet to make his Test debut, were sidelined due to their respective injuries. Anshul Kamboj was given the opportunity to make his Test debut in the penultimate match of the series in England.
Arshdeep Singh sustained an injury to his bowling hand during a training session in Beckenham while attempting to stop a shot from Sai Sudharsan in his follow-through. The injury required stitches, ruling him out of the fourth Test. On the other hand, Akash Deep was sidelined due to a groin niggle. Known for his history of fitness issues, the pacer had previously missed the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the IPL 2025.
#### The Return of Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh
However, there was a glimmer of hope for Team India as both Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh were seen bowling during the pre-day warm-up session, as reported by Bharat Sharma, a sports writer for Press Trust of India. This positive development comes amidst concerns over the fitness of the Indian pacers.
Mohammed Siraj remains the only Indian pacer to have featured in all four Tests of the series, having bowled the highest number of overs among the visiting fast bowlers. The return of Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh provides a much-needed boost to the Indian bowling attack as they look to turn the tide in the ongoing Test match against England.
#### India on the Back Foot at the End of Day 2
At the end of Day 2 in Manchester, India found themselves on the back foot as England reached 225/2 in response to the visitors’ first-innings total of 358 runs. The Indian bowlers struggled to maintain consistent pressure, allowing the hosts to settle in and score runs quickly.
With the series currently tilted 2-1 in England’s favor, the ongoing Test is crucial for Shubman Gill’s side. A loss would hand the series to the hosts, while a victory would keep India in the fight and push the contest into a decider. The absence of Kuldeep Yadav from the playing XI has been a topic of discussion, as the left-arm wrist-spinner has yet to be given an opportunity in the series, with India opting to strengthen their batting line-up instead.
In a must-win situation, the return of Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh brings a ray of hope for Team India as they aim to level the series against England. Stay tuned for more updates as the action unfolds in the fourth Test match at Old Trafford.
The Impact of Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh’s Return
The return of Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh to the Indian playing XI comes at a crucial juncture in the series against England. With the absence of key bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, the Indian pace attack has been under pressure to deliver consistently throughout the series. The inclusion of Akash Deep and the potential debut of Arshdeep Singh could provide the much-needed depth and variety to the bowling line-up.
Akash Deep, known for his ability to generate pace and movement off the pitch, could add a new dimension to India’s bowling arsenal. His return after overcoming the groin niggle showcases his determination and resilience, qualities that can inspire the rest of the team to push harder in the face of adversity. Meanwhile, Arshdeep Singh, a promising young talent, would offer a fresh and enthusiastic approach to the pace attack.
Strategies for Team India Moving Forward
As Team India prepares for the crucial third day of the fourth Test match, strategic decisions will play a vital role in shaping the outcome of the game. Captain Shubman Gill will need to assess the conditions at Old Trafford and devise a game plan that maximizes the strengths of his team. The return of Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh provides Gill with additional options to rotate his bowlers and apply pressure on the English batsmen.
In addition to bolstering the bowling line-up, Team India must also focus on their batting performance. The top order, including established players like Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane, will need to step up and set a solid foundation for the team. With the series hanging in the balance, every run and wicket will be crucial in determining the final outcome.
The Role of Momentum in Test Cricket
Test cricket is a format where momentum plays a significant role in shaping the course of a match. The return of Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh could provide the spark that Team India needs to swing the momentum in their favor. A couple of early breakthroughs by the pacers could put England on the back foot and shift the pressure onto the hosts.
Moreover, the mental aspect of the game becomes crucial in Test cricket, where patience and resilience are key virtues. Team India will need to maintain their focus and composure throughout the match, especially during critical phases of play. The return of Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh not only strengthens the team physically but also boosts their morale and belief in their ability to stage a comeback.
In conclusion, the return of Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh for the third day of the fourth Test match against England brings a renewed sense of optimism for Team India. With the series finely poised, every decision and performance will be magnified in its importance. As the action unfolds at Old Trafford, fans can expect an intense battle between bat and ball, with both teams vying for supremacy in the series. Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling Test match.


