Australia: The Indian pacer, Akash Deep’s availability for the fifth and final Test against Australia remains doubtful with the pacer reportedly developing a stiff back ahead of the Border-Gavaskar series finale set to be played at Sydney.
The Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team, Gautam Gambhir had mentioned that the 28-year-old pacer is set to miss the Sydney Test due to a back issue. He was a part of the two Tests in Brisbane and Melbourne and finished with only two wickets. However, his lack of wickets was due to India’s poor fielding standards with multiple catches being dropped off his bowling.
The 28-year-old quick has bowled a total of 87.5 overs across both Tests and the high workload could have likely caused his injury. It remains unclear as to who would replace him in the starting 11. The visitors would look to put in their best performance to close out the series on a draw and help retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
India’s chances of making it to the World Test Championship final for the ongoing cycle will also be alive should they go on and win the Sydney Test. But following the first Test in Perth, India has been far from their best with senior stars receiving a lot of flak for their poor run in both batting and bowling aspects.
India’s alternatives in the pace department will include Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna. The latter was a part of the starting 11 in the first two Tests and finished with four wickets in total, all of which was taken in Perth. The latter made his Test debut a year ago and has only played two games in the five-day format in total.
With reports suggesting that there is unrest within the Indian dressing room, the onus will be on Rohit Sharma and Co to pick their best possible 11 and put in their best performance. However, their over-reliance on Jasprit Bumrah, coupled with poor returns from the batting unit has seen the side struggle for most of the ongoing series.
The lack of returns could see Gambhir make some big changes to the side but the Indian Head Coach remains tightlipped regarding the possible playing 11 that is being discussed.
