Manchester, July 18, 2025: India's preparations for the crucial fourth Test against England suffered a major setback as promising fast bowler Arshdeep Singh sustained a hand injury during net practice, potentially requiring stitches and jeopardizing his highly anticipated Test debut.
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Injury Blow at Nets
The left-arm pacer, widely tipped to make his Test debut in Manchester starting tomorrow, was struck by a ball while bowling during a training session. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed the incident, stating Arshdeep attempted to stop the ball, resulting in a cut on his hand.
"He took a ball while he was bowling there... it's just a cut. So we have to see how bad the cut is," ten Doeschate told reporters. "The medical team have taken him off to see a doctor and obviously, if he needs stitches or does he not, that will be important to our planning for the next few days."
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Crucial Series Context
This injury comes at a critical juncture. India, leading the five-match series 2-1 after their dramatic 22-run loss at Lord's, must win at least one of the remaining two Tests to clinch the series. Arshdeep, known for his swing and seam, was seen as a key weapon for the Old Trafford pitch.
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Debut Doubt & Bumrah's Crucial Role
The injury casts significant doubt on Arshdeep's availability for the must-win fourth Test. His potential absence further complicates India's pace attack strategy. Questions also remain about the availability of spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for Manchester.
While Bumrah starred with seven wickets at Lord's, his participation in the series was initially planned to be limited to three Tests. Ten Doeschate indicated the team management faces a tough call: "No, we'll make that call in Manchester still. We know we've got him for one of the last two Tests. I think it's pretty obvious the series is on the line now in Manchester, so there will be a leaning towards playing him."
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The Indian team management and fans now anxiously await the medical report on Arshdeep Singh's hand. The severity of the cut and the necessity of stitches will determine if the young pacer can recover in time for the high-stakes encounter or if India must rework their bowling plans without him.
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