Rishabh Pant Back To Keeping Wickets, Anshul Kamboj Bats And Bowls Before 4th Test
Akash Deep, nursing a groin injury, did not bowl in India's training session ahead of the fourth Test. Rishabh Pant appeared fit to play.
Soon after gently rolling his arm over in the field of play, Akash Deep cut a forlorn figure as uncapped Anshul Kamboj and Prasidh Krishna bowled at full tilt during India's first outdoor training session ahead of the fourth Test.
Akash Deep, nursing a groin injury since the Lord's Test, did not receive the green light from the team physio to bowl in the nets after undergoing a fitness evaluation in the middle under the watchful eyes of coach Morne Morkel.
Minutes later, he stood as a spectator during the net session alongside Arshdeep Singh, who has been ruled out of the game due to a hand injury.
If Akash Deep is also deemed unfit, the team management will need to choose between Prasidh Krishna or Anshul Kamboj for the third pacer's slot alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
Kamboj, who joined the team over the weekend as cover for the injured Arshdeep, was added to the main squad on Monday, raising the possibility of a surprise debut.
The pacer from Haryana bowled for close to an hour in the nets with high intensity alongside Siraj, Bumrah, Prasidh, and Shardul Thakur.
Kamboj also padded up for a brief batting session alongside Thakur, who could directly replace injured all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Siraj bowled with the highest intensity against the likes of Shubman Gill, K L Rahul, and Rishabh Pant, while Bumrah moved to the field of play for more bowling after finding the practice surface slippery.
Rishabh Pant bats and keeps pain-free
All eyes were also on Rishabh Pant, who had not kept wickets at Lord's after injuring his fingers on the opening day of the second Test. While batting on day five, Pant grimaced every time he defended against a seriously quick Jofra Archer.
Considering he performed keeping drills and batted pain-free for an hour, Pant appears fit enough to start the fourth Test. Pant is always up for some banter, even with his teammates, as was evident when he shared the nets with skipper Shubman Gill.
There was no apparent discomfort while batting against Mohammed Siraj, Kamboj, and Krishna.
There is also speculation over Karun Nair's slot in the playing eleven, but he batted with plenty of purpose. Sai Sudharsan, who could replace Nair in the playing eleven, was also seen taking catching practice in the slip cordon.
With Nitish Reddy on his way back to India, Yashasvi Jaiswal was back doing catching drills in the slip cordon.
(With PTI Inputs)
view comments
First Published:
July 21, 2025, 22:23 IST
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
4 hours ago
- India Today
Recognition of Siraj thrills bowling coach Morne Morkel: His actions drive the group
Mohammed Siraj's action drive this group: Morkel praises India's natural leader (PTI Photo) Morne Morkel calls Siraj a natural leader who inspires the team Siraj has bowled more than 180 overs across five Tests He leads India's wicket tally with 20 dismissals in the series India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has expressed delight at Mohammed Siraj finally receiving the recognition he deserves, praising the pacer's unwavering commitment and consistency throughout the five-match Test series against England. Morkel described Siraj as a "natural leader" whose actions have inspired those around him and helped drive the team forward during a gruelling summer. Siraj, who has featured in every Test of the series, leads India's wicket tally with 20 dismissals. Across conditions that have tested bowlers both physically and mentally, the 30-year-old has been a tireless presence, spearheading the Indian attack with pace, skill and unrelenting effort. "Siraj has been outstanding," Morkel said following the fourth day's play in the final Test at The Oval. "He's a natural leader - doesn't say much, but his actions drive the group. I'm really pleased he's getting the recognition. Whether it's an extra spell or lifting the crowd when things go flat, he gives the team that spark." Oval Test, Day 4 Highlights | Full Scorecard Morkel also revealed that Siraj had insisted on playing the fifth Test despite the heavy workload: "He just said, 'I want to play this match, I want to win it for the team.' That's the kind of attitude that wins Tests." In the ongoing final Test, Siraj has once again delivered a wholehearted performance. Tasked with defending a target of 374, he has bowled with intensity and discipline, keeping England's batters in check. While his return of two wickets may seem modest, his presence has been central to India's spirited fightback. Remarkably, Siraj has bowled more than 180 overs across nine innings in the series - a rare workload in an era where rest and rotation are closely managed. His determination to feature in all five Tests is a testament to his resilience and commitment to the team. In England's second innings at The Oval, Siraj has already bowled 26 overs - the most by any Indian bowler in the innings. Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna have sent down 20 and 22 overs respectively. At stumps on Day 4, England were 339 for 6, needing just 35 more runs to secure a 3–1 series win. Jamie Smith (2*) and Jamie Overton (0*) will resume the chase on Monday morning, while India require four wickets - potentially only three if Chris Woakes, nursing a shoulder injury, does not bat - to level the series 2-2. In a summer that has tested stamina and character, Siraj has emerged not only as a reliable strike bowler but also as a symbol of resolve and professionalism. At a time when 'workload management' has become a focal point of modern cricket, his ability to compete in five consecutive Tests underscores his elite fitness and mental toughness. For Morkel and the Indian camp, Siraj's contributions have gone far beyond statistics. "I'm thrilled he's getting the credit," Morkel said. "He plays for the badge, and that sort of commitment drives the rest of the team forward." India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has expressed delight at Mohammed Siraj finally receiving the recognition he deserves, praising the pacer's unwavering commitment and consistency throughout the five-match Test series against England. Morkel described Siraj as a "natural leader" whose actions have inspired those around him and helped drive the team forward during a gruelling summer. Siraj, who has featured in every Test of the series, leads India's wicket tally with 20 dismissals. Across conditions that have tested bowlers both physically and mentally, the 30-year-old has been a tireless presence, spearheading the Indian attack with pace, skill and unrelenting effort. "Siraj has been outstanding," Morkel said following the fourth day's play in the final Test at The Oval. "He's a natural leader - doesn't say much, but his actions drive the group. I'm really pleased he's getting the recognition. Whether it's an extra spell or lifting the crowd when things go flat, he gives the team that spark." Oval Test, Day 4 Highlights | Full Scorecard Morkel also revealed that Siraj had insisted on playing the fifth Test despite the heavy workload: "He just said, 'I want to play this match, I want to win it for the team.' That's the kind of attitude that wins Tests." In the ongoing final Test, Siraj has once again delivered a wholehearted performance. Tasked with defending a target of 374, he has bowled with intensity and discipline, keeping England's batters in check. While his return of two wickets may seem modest, his presence has been central to India's spirited fightback. Remarkably, Siraj has bowled more than 180 overs across nine innings in the series - a rare workload in an era where rest and rotation are closely managed. His determination to feature in all five Tests is a testament to his resilience and commitment to the team. In England's second innings at The Oval, Siraj has already bowled 26 overs - the most by any Indian bowler in the innings. Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna have sent down 20 and 22 overs respectively. At stumps on Day 4, England were 339 for 6, needing just 35 more runs to secure a 3–1 series win. Jamie Smith (2*) and Jamie Overton (0*) will resume the chase on Monday morning, while India require four wickets - potentially only three if Chris Woakes, nursing a shoulder injury, does not bat - to level the series 2-2. In a summer that has tested stamina and character, Siraj has emerged not only as a reliable strike bowler but also as a symbol of resolve and professionalism. At a time when 'workload management' has become a focal point of modern cricket, his ability to compete in five consecutive Tests underscores his elite fitness and mental toughness. For Morkel and the Indian camp, Siraj's contributions have gone far beyond statistics. "I'm thrilled he's getting the credit," Morkel said. "He plays for the badge, and that sort of commitment drives the rest of the team forward." Join our WhatsApp Channel
Hindustan Times
5 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Prasidh has ability to bowl magic balls, he needs to be backed in the long run: Morkel
London, Aug 3 (PTI) Prasidh Krishna has the ability to bowl 'magic balls' and the pacer needs to be given an extended run to serve India for a long time, said bowling coach Morne Morkel here on Sunday. HT Image Speaking to reporters after rain forced the series decider to day five with England needing 35 runs and four wickets in hand, Morkel praised Prasidh and Mohammed Siraj for keeping India in the game despite hundreds from Joe Root and Harry Brook on day four. 'In the same breath as Siraj, Prasidh has also in this tour found a bit of confidence. If you look at the first Test match to today, his consistency, his line and lengths, he improved a lot and he's a guy that I believe can be a very good Test bowler for India,' said Morkel. 'He's just a guy that needs a bit of time and he needs to be backed with a bit of confidence and every spell, he's a guy that can create that magic ball for you with an extra bounce and pace,' said the former South Africa fast bowler. Prasidh struck twice in the final session to keep India alive in the game while Siraj once again put his tired body on the line and bowled an extended eight-over spell in the morning before building pressure alongside Prasidh in the last half hour of play. Jasprit Bumrah was rested from the Oval Test due to workload management but Siraj has played all five games. He seems to raise his game in Bumrah's absence. 'When Booms is not there you need to set the tone as a new ball bowler or the first change bowler or a guy who's played, you know, more than 30, 40 Tests, so I think he just enjoys that opportunity when it's given to him and he said it yesterday, I think in an interview, he just loves playing for India and putting the shirt on and performing.' Morkel said the team management had a 'conversation' with Siraj to find his mindset ahead of the fifth Test. 'Before the start of the Test, there was conversation with him just to check in how he was feeling mentally and how he was feeling physically because of the amount of overs but he was the first guy to say, 'listen, I want to play this Test match, I want to win it for the team, so not just the bowling front but it's the attitude for me that is great 'You've got a guy with an attitude like that and he's willing to run all day, I'm not surprised, that's why he's got the numbers,' said Morkel. On where the game stands, he added: 'The series so far, there have been moments like that where it's sort of up and down and we finally managed to break the partnership which was great and was important for us and it's almost like it's always, you feel for the new batter. 'It's quite tough to start, no matter what. It was looking quite flat out there and we managed to get a bit of something on the ball, which is great for the series so far and unfortunately, yeah, the rain came in and we had to come back tomorrow,' he signed off. Injured Woakes may bat on day 5 ======================== After scoring his 39th Test hundred, Joe Root said it was fitting that the series was going into day five just like the previous four games on this tour. 'It was always going to happen like this wasn't it? I mean, look at the first four games. It's just been that kind of series. It's been amazing to play in and quite fitting that we're going to get that kind of finish tomorrow,' said Root, hoping the heavy roller helps his team on Monday. Talking about the timing of stumps on day four, he said: 'There's pros and cons of both, really. Their guys had bowled a lot, there were overs in their legs. You get back out there, get a couple of boundaries away and all of a sudden the game looks very different again. 'But then again, you come back tomorrow, you get another roller, you can rest up and it's a completely new opportunity. I think for both teams there's pros and cons.' Will Woakes, who was ruled out of the game due to a shoulder injury on day one, come out to bat if needed? 'You probably saw him in his whites in the dressing room, so, you know, he's all in like the rest of us. It's been that kind of series where guys (like Rishabh Pant) have had to put bodies on the line and hopefully it doesn't get to that. He had some throw-downs in here at one point and he's ready if needed,' added Root. Root, who has negated some of the best bowlers of this era, heaped praise on Siraj. 'He's a character. He's a warrior, a real warrior. He's someone that you want in your team. He gives everything for India and it's credit to him for that the way he approaches cricket. He's got this fake anger about him sometimes, which I can see straight through. You can tell that he's actually a really nice lad,' he said. The former England skipper also lauded Prasidh Krishna with whom he had a run-in in the first innings of this Test. 'Prasidh is a proven performer, he is a brilliant player. You don't play for India as a seamer without having a huge amount of talent and clearly he's gonna do great things in the game. 'It wasn't anything between the two of us that sort of brought that on, that was more frustration on my part for not getting us over the line,' he added.
India.com
5 hours ago
- India.com
Rain, bad light halt England charge towards series win after Harry Brook, Joe Root tons
Rain interrupts on day 4 of India vs England Anderson Tendulkar Trophy. (PIC - PTI) New Delhi: The fifth Test between India and England is being played at the Oval. England has scored 339 runs with five wickets down in aiming for the target of 374 runs set by India. England is 35 runs away from victory on the fifth day. India is four wickets away from victory. Why was Day 4 interrupted? Umpire interrupted play on the fourth day due to rain. Jamie Smith was in the middle after scoring two runs, and Jamie Overton has not yet opened his account. For India, three wickets have been lost to Prasidh Krishna and two wickets to Siraj. What happened on Day 4? On the fourth day of the match, India dismissed Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope in the morning session. Duckett scored 54 runs off 83 balls before getting dismissed. Siraj dismissed Ollie Pope after he scored 27 runs off 34 balls. Harry Brook scored 111 runs off 98 balls before he was dismissed by Akash Deep. Brook put up a 195-run stand for the fourth wicket with Root. Jacob Bethell managed to score only 5 runs off 31 balls. Joe Root scored 105 runs off 152 balls before getting dismissed. England is currently ahead in the five-match Test series 2-1. The old ball which was not doing a thing in the afternoon session started aiding the pacers and the scoreboard hardly moved. Suddenly the remaining 37 runs seemed a long way off. Jamie Overton and Jamie Smith were in the middle when bad light stopped play with the momentum in India''s favour. England were 339 for six and new ball just 3.4 overs away. Rain followed soon, taking the match to day five. In the afternoon session, an epic 195-run stand off 211 balls between Brook and Root took the wind out India's sails as England coasted to 317 for four at tea. The three Indian pacers could not much out of the pitch with a softer ball and the two spinners Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja too proved ineffective although to be fair to them they weren't given lengthy spells.
