Back Injury Sidelines India's Akash Deep Before Final Test

Indian fast bowler Akash Deep has been ruled out of the final Test against Australia due to a back issue. Despite his impressive performance in Brisbane and Melbourne, multiple dropped catches denied him more wickets. Coach Gautam Gambhir will finalize the playing XI after assessing the pitch conditions.

Indian fast bowler Akash Deep will miss the series-deciding Test against Australia due to a stiff back, coach Gautam Gambhir revealed during a pre-match press conference. The pacer had been pivotal in the series, taking five wickets across two Tests, despite being hindered by dropped catches.

Akash's exclusion leaves a gap in India's bowling line-up as they aim for victory to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The coach mentioned that the final playing XI would depend on a pitch assessment, with Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna as potential replacements.

Aged 28, Akash's rigorous workload and the demanding Australian conditions are believed to have contributed to his injury. India's cricket squad currently trails 1-2 in the series, underscoring the must-win scenario in the upcoming match.

(With inputs from agencies.)