New Partner For Mohammed Siraj? Report Claims Pacer To Make India Debut In Ranchi Test

Bengal fast bowler Akash Deep is all set to make his debut for the Indian cricket team in the fourth Test match against England in Ranchi starting Friday, according to a report by Indian Express. The BCCI announced on Tuesday that star pacer Jasprit Bumrah was released from the squad for the Ranchi Test with Mukesh Kumar making a return. However, the report claims that Akash Deep, who is a teammate of Mukesh in Ranji Trophy, is likely to partner Mohammed Siraj with the new ball. 

Akash Deep was impressive in the recent times as he took 10 wickets in two games for India A against England Lions in Ahmedabad. He has also performed well in the domestic circuit with Bengal where he has taken 104 wickets from 30 first-class matches with an average of 23.58.

Meanwhile, Bumrah was released from the Indian Test squad while senior batter KL Rahul was ruled out of the fourth match beginning in Ranchi on Friday.

Bumrah has been released as part of his workload management. He is the leading wicket-taker in the Test series with 17 scalps from three matches. He singlehandedly bowled India to victory in the second Test in Visakhapatnam.

Rahul had also missed the second and third Test after complaining of pain in his right quadriceps.

"Jasprit Bumrah has been released from the squad for the 4th IDFC First Bank Test against England in Ranchi. The decision was taken keeping in mind the duration of the series and amount of cricket he has played in recent times," the BCCI said in a statement.

"Meanwhile, KL Rahul is ruled out of the 4th Test. His participation in the final Test match in Dharamsala is subject to fitness," it added.

Pacer Mukesh Kumar, who was released from the squad for the third Test in Rajkot, has joined the team in Ranchi.