ENG Vs IND: 3 Reasons Why Anshul Kamboj Should Play The Fourth Test At Old Trafford

As India trails 1–2 in the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, the fourth Test at Manchester’s Old Trafford marks a critical juncture. With injuries mounting in India’s pace attack, selectors face a decisive call: whom to back under pressure? Enter Anshul Kamboj, a fresh 24-year old from Haryana, added to the squad as cover—and potentially more. His domestic excellence, promising England exposure, and suitability to Old Trafford’s wicket make a powerful case for inclusion.

Domestic Dominance: Ten-Wicket Haul & Stellar FC Record

Kamboj’s domestic credentials speak volumes:

A rare Ranji Trophy 10-for (10/49 against Kerala)—a milestone only he and two others have achieved.
In just 22 FC matches, he’s taken 74 wickets at 22.66, including two five-wicket hauls.

This shows not only workhorse stamina—busting 30-over innings—but also match-winning potency. Such consistency and capability to bowl long spells can help India manage injury and workload in England’s swing-friendly conditions.

England Familiarity: India A Contributions

His transition to English red-ball conditions has begun efficiently:

Playing for India A vs England Lions, Kamboj secured 5 wickets over two unofficial Tests, including a key opening dismissal at Northampton.
IPL experience under MS Dhoni at CSK also earned praise for subtle seam movement

That acclimatization—not even all regular Test players have it—makes him a rare, ready-than-usual seam option for challenging English surfaces.

Old Trafford Advantage: Suitability to Conditions

Old Trafford’s wicket traditionally offers:

Early seam and swing under overcast skies and slope influence on Days 1–2;
Gradual slowing and spin assistance mid-late Test days.

Kamboj’s right-arm line, length, and seam movement align perfectly with Day 1 and 2 demands, offering suppression and surprise. He may not be express pace, but ball-on-crease consistency can generate traffic, build pressure, and induce false strokes.

Surprise Weapon: Unknown Factor

In Test cricket, novelty can be potent. English batters, unacquainted with Kamboj’s subtle rhythm, could misread length, tempo, or seam. That dynamic shifts the pressure slightly toward players with experience, offering Kamboj a valuable psychological edge—especially in a close series.

Filling the Injury Void

India’s pace line is shaky: Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep, even Mohammed Siraj, are nursing niggles. Kamboj adds a fully-fit seam bowling option. With workload management crucial, his inclusion safeguards against further weakening the line-up and reduces reliance on fatigued veterans.

But Why Wasn’t He Picked Earlier?

Fans debated India’s decision to bring in Harshit Rana (KKR) ahead of Kamboj, despite the latter outperforming in India A matches. Selection bias was hinted at, though the squad kept evolving. For Kamboj, the selection now seems both fair and tactical—a nod to form, not affiliation.

Projected Impact & XI Scenarios

Current Indian pace options:

Bumrah, if fit, leads.
Siraj remains the workhorse.
If Akash Deep / Arshdeep miss out, Kamboj becomes indispensable.

If Bumrah rests, an XI might include one seamer, three spinners, and Kamboj—as the seam-bowling foil. That balance might be ideal for Old Trafford’s mixed pitch trajectory.

The Selection Trade-Off

✅ Pros:

Reduces pacer injuries strain.
Brings seam consistency mid-innings.
Adds unfamiliarity to current English batters.
Recognizes form and First-Class excellence.

❌ Cons:

Less experience at Test intensity.
Possible rookie nerves in high-pressure environments.

But the pros outweigh cons, especially given injury context and immediate need for trustworthy pace overs.

Looking at Similar Precedents

India have previously deployed uncapped youth bowlers abroad—Mohammed Shami in Australia 2014, Shardul in West Indies 2016. Kamboj’s path echoes those success stories: strong domestic form, favorable conditions, and reward through opportunity.

Mental Edge

His Ranji trophy 10-for showed mental resilience: stamina, discipline, peak performance under pressure.
England experience ensures an emotional anchor, not trial by fire.

Fan Voices from Reddit

Reddit communities have already applauded the logic:

“Anshul Kamboj bowled a lovely opening spell against England lions. Could be a good backup if anyone gets injured.”

Such opinions reflect wider support among cricket enthusiasts.

Final Verdict: Why He Should Play

Form, not reputation: Delivered domestically and abroad.
Built for Old Trafford: Seam-first suitability and swing-friendly style.
Fitness buffer: Provides fresh, fit legs amid injuries.
Selection fairness: Rewards performance, not points or politics.
Potential match-winner: He can influence partnerships, control pressure, and trap batsmen in rhythm.

Old Trafford’s pitch path—and series stakes—call for new energy. At 24, Kamboj offers calm, craft, and competitiveness—exactly what’s required if India are to level the series.

Anshul Kamboj’s entry into the squad signals India’s commitment to talent, form, and conditions. If he plays, it will reflect a strategy based on potential and preparedness, not pedigree alone. As the series hangs in the balance, changing the pace line-up could be the bold move that sparks a turnaround.

Will Kamboj be India’s secret weapon? The ball’s in the selectors’ court—literally.

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