Arshdeep Singh Suffers Hand Injury Ahead of Key Manchester Test

India’s preparations for the pivotal fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy have hit a snag as left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh sustained a cut on his bowling hand during a practice session in Beckenham. This injury comes just days before the must-win Test against England, scheduled to take place at Old Trafford in Manchester from July 23 to 27, 2023.

The injury complicates India’s situation in the five-match series, where they currently trail 2-1 following a narrow 22-run loss at Lord’s. Despite dominating much of the match, India’s hopes were dashed in the final innings when Mohammed Siraj was dismissed after an unfortunate incident that saw the ball roll back onto the stumps, ending the team’s resistance. Ravindra Jadeja was left stranded, unable to finish the chase.

Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate addressed the media, confirming the nature of Singh’s injury. “He took a ball while he was bowling; he tried to stop it and sustained a cut. We need to assess how serious it is. The medical team is taking him to see a doctor, and if he requires stitches, that will significantly impact our plans for the next few days,” he stated.

The Indian squad has been utilizing the nine-day gap between the third and fourth Tests to focus on recovery and fitness. Training sessions have been aimed at fine-tuning their strategies as they work to recover from the setback at Lord’s. Singh, who recently earned his maiden Test call-up, has emerged as a rising star in India’s pace attack, particularly in white-ball formats.

In the past year, he has been the country’s leading wicket-taker in T20 Internationals and showcased his skills in English conditions by playing for Kent in the County Championship, where he claimed 13 wickets in five matches. His recent performances—including a strong showing in the 2023 IPL where he took 17 wickets—have made him a vital part of India’s bowling lineup.

With the series hanging in the balance, the team management is expected to exercise caution regarding Singh’s rehabilitation. As the team prepares to travel to Manchester on July 19, further updates on his availability are anticipated. The situation highlights the physical demands of back-to-back high-pressure matches, adding an extra layer of uncertainty to India’s bowling combination ahead of this crucial Test.

In the aftermath of the Lord’s Test, Jasprit Bumrah emerged as a standout performer, taking seven wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the first innings. His form will be essential for India as they aim to level the series in Manchester. The outcome of Singh’s injury will play a significant role in shaping the team’s strategy for the upcoming match.