India's New Star Pacer Likely To Debut In 4th Test Against England

The Indian cricket team is in a difficult situation in the current Test series against England and now an unexpected name has come into the limelight. Young star fast bowler Anshul Kamboj is being considered as a top contender to make his debut in the fourth Test match. With the important pacers Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep suffering from injuries the team has had to consider new options and Kamboj's name has been in consideration at the best possible moment. During one practice session at Old Trafford he bowled for more than 45 minutes with the new ball and left everyone in awe with his rhythm and control. This extended practice session gave indications that he may be included in the playing eleven for the next game.

Not only did Kamboj receive much time in the nets but was also spotted having lengthy discussions with head coach Gautam Gambhir and senior bowlers like Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah. This points to the fact that the team management is seriously contemplating fielding him in the next Test match. Gautam Gambhir is said to be impressed with the young man's discipline and bowling action. Kamboj toured with the India A side and has been in top gear in the domestic season which works further in his favor for getting selected. India is presently down 1-2 in the series this Test can prove to be a game-changer and the selection of the right third seamer can prove to be the difference between the two sides.

The injuries to both Arshdeep and Akash Deep could not have occurred at a more inopportune moment for the Indian team. Arshdeep is ruled out with a hand injury while Akash is working on a groin niggle that could keep him away from the fourth Test entirely. This left India with a question mark in their bowling attack and Kamboj was soon dispatched to Manchester to join the team and beef up the pace attack. He was in no mood to warm up and soon settled into the rhythm in training. His natural seam movement and ability to control the ball for long spells were on full display in the nets.

Old warhorse Ravichandran Ashwin too heaped praise on Amit Kamboj's potential. Talking on his YouTube channel Ashwin mentioned that the young pacer had left him reminded of great Indian fast bowlers Zaheer Khan and Jasprit Bumrah due to his wrist position and seam position. Ashwin told that Anshul has already established himself in the domestic level and should be given an opportunity at the big stage. He even said that including Kamboj in the playing eleven would provide India with a very serious bowling attack. Ashwin brushed aside doubts regarding Kamboj not having international experience and highlighted that the bowler was included in the India A tour of England and is familiar with the conditions so well that he can deliver under pressure.

Kamboj's dominant performance in the nets consisted of a gritty spell against top-order batsmen such as KL Rahul Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal. He was able to muffle them with the new ball and didn't lose his line and length at any stage during his session. This consistency is what the team desperately needs right now particularly given that the match is being hosted in Manchester where the pitch is likely to favor seam bowlers. Though Prasidh Krishna is also in the team there is increasing support in the team for issuing Kamboj his first Test cap. He has only just turned 24 but has become mental and physically tough enough to compete at the top level.

The team is under pressure to tie the series and therefore bold choices have to be made. India requires bowlers to put pressure from both ends and Kamboj's capacity to bowl long hours without losing concentration might prove to be a massive asset. With the strike force of Siraj and Bumrah at the helm the inclusion of Kamboj might prove to be a balancing act in the lineup. His inclusion might also enable the team to rotate the top bowlers better and minimize the chance of additional injuries.

Until now there has been no confirmation officially regarding his debut but all the indications from the camp are that a great chance is waiting to come Kamboj's way. The internal deliberations and camp-based observations in the team have established beyond any doubt that he is highly on the radar for the fourth Test. Gautam Gambhir's keenness and senior players' assurance also pinpoint the extent to which the youngster is preferred among the setup.

The Indian team management is aware that this is a very important Test match not just in terms of the series but also in the context of the future of their pace attack. They have already suffered from several injuries throughout the tour and require fresh vitality and good performances to come back. If Anshul Kamboj is selected it would be a huge moment for his career and an opportunity to demonstrate that he belongs in the top division. His career path from domestic cricket to a possible English debut indicates the amount of talent and effort within the Indian cricket structure.

With the countdown to Old Trafford the whole world is looking towards the team announcement now. If Kamboj receives his opportunity it might turn out to be a game-changer not only for him but also for the future pace plans of Indian cricket. The fans and pundits are waiting with bated breath to know if the young pacer will make his Test debut and assist India in staging a comeback in the series.