Focus on Anshul Kamboj as India gears up for must-win Test against England
'Welcome to Manchester, man!' Siraj told the young fast bowler, who had joined the team on Sunday, following Arshdeep Singh's thumb injury.
The youngster smiled, and over the next hour, he toiled hard in the nets, bowling long spells alongside Jasprit Bumrah, Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna.
With the series on the line, Bumrah will be available for the fourth Test, which begins on Wednesday at Old Trafford. While Siraj is an automatic choice, Arshdeep and Akash Deep, yet to recover fully from a groin niggle, have been ruled out. India's third seaming option is now limited, and there are indications that the 24-year-old Kamboj may be drafted into the playing eleven.
Known for his skiddy deliveries and the ability to extract a sharp bounce when needed, Kamboj was recently part of the India A squad for the two unofficial Tests. In the second match in Northampton, he claimed a four-wicket haul, including two in a single over in the second innings.
READ: Nitish Kumar Reddy ruled out of remaining ENG vs IND Test series, Arshdeep Singh to miss Manchester clash
That experience could come in handy for the 24-year-old.
He bowled long spells to K.L. Rahul, Shubman Gill, and then Rishabh Pant in the nets. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and Morne Morkel had frequent conversations with the youngster, perhaps initiating him to the rigours of Test cricket.
Kamboj looked at ease and often challenged batters with his pace. Midway through the session, he was spotted deep in discussion with Bumrah and Siraj, while national selectors Ajit Agarkar and Shiv Sundar Das watched from a distance, taking notes.
Coming on the back of a successful First Class stint, where he claimed 79 wickets in 24 games for Haryana, Kamboj has also proved his mettle with the bat as he forged an unbeaten 149-run stand with Tanush Kotian to help India A force a draw during the match in Nottingham.
ALSO READ: Farokh Engineer and Clive Lloyd to have stands named after them at Old Trafford during ENG vs IND 4th Test
While Bumrah's presence will be a major boost, the real test lies in how the newcomers in the bowling unit cope with the pressure. 'The combination is changing by the day. Our plan is to bowl in good areas, considering how the England batters played with a lot of patience in the last match,' Siraj said.
The team management may also consider tweaking the bowling combination, potentially favouring Kuldeep Yadav over Washington Sundar, given that the Old Trafford surface is expected to assist wrist spinners.
Pant ready for 'keeping duties
After missing his wicketkeeping duties during the Lord's Test due to a left index finger injury, Pant had an extended session behind the stumps on Monday.
Initially monitored by fielding coach T. Dilip, Pant later joined a slip-catching drill alongside Rahul, Gill, Karun Nair, and B. Sai Sudharsan. He looked comfortable throughout and is expected to keep wickets.
Meanwhile, there are signs the team management may hand Sai Sudharsan the No. 3 spot, following a string of underwhelming performances from Karun.
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