Rookie pacer Akash Deep is in the running for a Test cap on Friday.

Though the Bengal quick sweated it out at the nets in the lead-up to the fourth Test,
on Thursday, he didn’t bowl and instead did batting practice with the throwdown specialists.

With pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah rested for this fourth Test, it’s a toss-up between Akash and his Bengal teammate Mukesh Kumar for the second pacer’s slot alongside Mohammed Siraj.

In domestic cricket, Akash has exhibited his skills even in unfavourable conditions with his ability to extract reverse swing and generate pace when bowling with the old ball standing out.

“Anybody who gets into the Indian team has to be a special cricketer,” batting coach Vikram Rathour said. “He (Akash) has got decent pace, can land the ball in
the right areas and looks really good.”

The other selection dilemma for India is Rajat Patidar at the No.4 slot. However, Rathour hinted that the struggling Patidar may be given another opportunity. “We have been having a lot of conversations with him (Patidar)... He doesn’t become a bad player after just two matches. Yes, he has had a few tough games, a few awkward dismissals where the ball has stopped on him... On his day though, he’ll come up with an impactful innings,” Rathour said.

KL status

About the injured KL Rahul, the team’s stance is clear.

“He’s either fit or not fit. At the moment, he’s not fit. We’re not sure what per cent he’s fit at present and what the stage is. The medical team will be able to advise on that, but as far as we’re concerned, he’s not fit and not available for this game,” Rathour said.

Ollie’s chance

For the first time in the series, India are set to face pacer Ollie Robinson, who’s set to replace fellow quick Mark Wood, with the struggling James Anderson retained in the XI. Young off-spinner Shoaib Bashir returns to the XI as leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed’s replacement.

The “release height” of Robinson and his “relentlessness” led to his call-up, captain Ben Stokes said.