India may set to witness a awaited debut in the upcoming Oval Test against England, scheduled to begin on July 31. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, aged 26, is expected to make his debut in the fifth and final Test of the series, marking a crucial moment in his cricketing career.
According to a report in the Times of India (TOI), Arshdeep showcased his readiness during India’s optional training session on Tuesday, bowling at full tilt. The talented fast bowler had been sidelined earlier due to a hand injury, which required stitches and kept him out of the Manchester Test last week.
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The injury setback was a disappointment, especially since Arshdeep was part of the management’s plans for the last two Tests. However, now, with his recovery complete, he is very likely to feature in the playing XI for the Oval Test, prompting a reshuffle in India’s bowling lineup.
The report highlights that the management had Arshdeep in their plans for the final Oval Test , and his return is expected to bolster India’s bowling attack. Alongside Arshdeep, Akash Deep—who played a pivotal role in India’s victory at Edgbaston—is also expected to re-enter the playing XI.
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The likely seamers for the match include Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep, while a decision regarding Jasprit Bumrah’s participation could be made closer to the match, depending on team strategy and fitness.
Arshdeep’s childhood coach, Jaswant Rai, expressed confidence in the bowler’s readiness for the red-ball challenge.
“Playing red-ball cricket for the country is the ultimate dream of any cricketer. The same is with Arshdeep. Wo pak chuka hai (He is ripe now). He should get a chance to play with the red ball. He can bring the balance that India has been looking for so long. He has patiently done the hard yards, and I might sound biased, but he deserves the Test cap. If not in England, then where?” Rai stated.
India managed to secure a draw at Old Trafford in Manchester, keeping their hopes alive in this intense series. As the series heads towards its conclusion, Arshdeep Singh’s debut in the Oval Test could be a pivotal moment for India’s bowling attack.