Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pacer Anshul Kamboj is set to join the Indian Test squad as a replacement for Arshdeep Singh for the remainder of the Test series.
In the build-up to the fourth Test in Manchester, the left-arm pacer sustained an injury during one of the net sessions where he attempted to stop a return shot and ended up having a deep cut on his finger.
Arshdeep's finger required several stitches, and the bowler is unlikely to be available for at least the fourth Test.
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With the series on the line and Jasprit Bumrah available for only one of the remaining two games, the Indian management decided to take a quick call and have Kamboj as one of the options in the squad.
Anshul Kamboj to join the Indian team ahead of the Manchester Test
Ahead of the Test series, the 24-year-old bowler was also a part of the India A squad that faced England Lions in two unofficial Tests, where he impressed with both bat and ball.
In the three innings of the preparatory games, the CSK player picked up 1/69, 2/56 and 2/6, showing exemplary control in line and length, earning him his maiden Test call-up.
"Arshdeep has a deep cut and has had stitches; he will take at least ten days to get completely fit. The selectors have decided to add Kamboj in the squad," the Indian Express quoted a BCCI source.
Harshit Rana, who debuted against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, was initially part of the squad for the England series but was eventually released after the Headingley Test.
He has been overlooked this time around, with Kamboj getting a nod instead.
Apart from his bowling skills, Kamboj's ability to add runs down the order also adds value to the squad. He had also scored 23 and 51* in the two unofficial Tests against England Lions.
What is Anshul Kamboj's First Class record?
In his 24-match FC career, Kamboj has represented Haryana and India A and has scalped 79 wickets at an impressive average of 22.88 while scoring 486 runs with a fifty to his name.
In the recent Ranji Trophy season, he also took all 10 wickets in an innings against Kerala in the first innings, ending with figures of 10/49.
| Innings | Wickets | Best figures | Avg/SR | Economy | 5w/10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41 | 79 | 10/49 | 22.88/44.2 | 3.10 | 2/1 |
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| Innings | Runs | Avg | Highest | 50/100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | 486 | 16.20 | 51* | 1/0 |