In a major boost for Team India ahead of the fifth and final Test against England at Old Trafford, star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has shrugged off all injury concerns and is set to take the field. Meanwhile, pace bowler Akash Deep is likely to miss the Manchester clash due to a lingering niggle, effectively ruling him out of contention.
Pant, who has been making a strong comeback after a prolonged layoff following his horrific car accident in December 2022, looked in fine touch during the nets on Monday. Team sources confirmed that the southpaw has fully recovered from minor stiffness that had caused brief worry during training last week.
“Pant is raring to go. There was a minor concern regarding his lower back, but the medical team has cleared him,” said a BCCI source. “His batting rhythm is intact and he will be behind the stumps at Manchester.”
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Pant’s availability comes as a significant relief for India, who are aiming to wrap up the series after going 2-1 up in the fourth Test at Headingley. His counter-attacking style and agility with the gloves are considered key assets, especially on English pitches that tend to test both batters and wicketkeepers.
However, the same can’t be said for Akash Deep, who impressed in the domestic circuit and was in contention for a Test debut. The young pacer, who travelled with the squad as a backup, has reportedly picked up a minor hamstring strain during a practice session. While not serious, the team management is unwilling to risk aggravation ahead of the upcoming white-ball series.
“Akash Deep hasn’t recovered in time. The physios feel it’s better to manage his workload rather than push him into a high-intensity Test,” a source close to the team revealed.
With Akash Deep sidelined, the pace attack will once again rely on the experienced trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mukesh Kumar, with support from all-rounder Shardul Thakur.
The final Test, which begins July 25, is crucial for both teams. India will look to secure a historic series win in England, while the hosts aim to level the contest.
All eyes will now be on Pant, whose flair and fearlessness could prove to be the x-factor in what promises to be a riveting finale.
