Why has Kamboj made his debut while Sudharsan and Thakur join India as England opts to bowl first?
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Synopsis
In the latest match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Anshul Kamboj debuts for India as Sudharsan and Thakur join the lineup. England has won the toss and chosen to bowl first. Will this decision impact the match? Find out the latest updates and insights.
Key Takeaways
- Anshul Kamboj makes his debut in a high-stakes match.
- England leads the series 2-1 after a narrow victory at Lord’s.
- Strategic changes in the Indian lineup with three new inclusions.
- Captain Shubman Gill emphasizes the need for tactical play and breaks.
- Ben Stokes remains a dominant force as England's captain.
Manchester, July 23 (NationPress) Fast bowler Anshul Kamboj has earned his Test debut, while B Sai Sudharsan and Shardul Thakur have also been added to India's squad as England won the toss and opted to bowl first against India in the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
England leads the five-match series 2-1 following a thrilling 22-run victory in the previous Test at Lord's. Kamboj, now the 318th Test cricketer for India, steps in for Akash Deep, who is sidelined due to a groin injury sustained in the last match.
Interestingly, Anil Kumble was the last Indian player to debut in Manchester, and both he and Kamboj share the distinction of having taken a 10-wicket haul in first-class matches.
Sudharsan replaces Karun Nair, while Shardul takes the spot of Nitish Kumar Reddy, who is out for the series due to a left knee injury.
This lineup change means that India will field four seam-bowling options, complemented by the left-arm spin of Ravindra Jadeja.
India's captain, Shubman Gill, commented, "I was a bit perplexed. The pitch looks decent; it’s a great toss to lose. We’ve performed excellently in the last three matches, but we’ve lost in crucial moments. All matches have been intense, going down to the wire. We need a bit of respite. The surface appears promising. It’s hard, and there might be some weather changes over the next few days."
On the flip side, England has made one change; Shoaib Bashir is out due to injury, making room for Liam Dawson, who returns to the Test team after an eight-year hiatus.
"The overhead conditions are favorable for bowling, which is our strategy. We’ve enjoyed a good break since the Lord's Test, allowing everyone to recharge and come out strong here. Everyone put in remarkable effort at Lord's on the final day, showcasing outstanding team spirit. The cricket so far has been exceptional from both sides. We’ve been evenly matched, and we hope to play our best cricket this week and emerge victorious," stated skipper Ben Stokes, who has won the toss for the fourth consecutive time.
Playing XIs
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wk), Liam Dawson, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Jofra Archer.
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Anshul Kamboj, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the evolving dynamics of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The debut of Anshul Kamboj and the strategic decisions from both teams showcase the competitive spirit and unpredictability of Test cricket. Our commitment remains to provide unbiased coverage while celebrating the rich cricketing heritage of India and England.
NationPress
23/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Anshul Kamboj?
Anshul Kamboj is a fast bowler who has recently made his Test debut for India in the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
What changes have been made to the Indian team?
India has included Anshul Kamboj, B Sai Sudharsan, and Shardul Thakur in their playing XI for the fourth Test.
Why did England choose to bowl first?
England opted to bowl first after winning the toss, anticipating favorable conditions for their bowlers.
What is the current status of the series?
England leads the five-match series 2-1 after winning the third Test at Lord's.
Who is captain of India?
The captain of the Indian team is Shubman Gill.
