The BCCI senior men’s selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is set to meet in the next couple of days to announce India’s test squad for the remaining three Tests against England. The meeting is expected to be attended by Captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid. Rohit and Agarkar had a lengthy discussion immediately after India’s victory in the second Test in Visakhapatnam.
The selection process is anticipated to be complex, with the foremost question being the availability of Virat Kohli. Kohli, who missed the first two Tests, is unlikely to feature in the third and fourth Tests and remains doubtful for the fifth Test in Dharamsala. Although Kohli has informed Rohit and the selectors about his decision, a final call may be postponed until the selectors evaluate the situation closer to the fifth Test.
Pacer Mohammed Shami is unlikely to participate in the series as he is yet to fully recover from an ankle injury sustained during the ODI World Cup. On a positive note, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, both absent from the second Test due to injuries, are expected to be part of the test squad for the next two Tests. Rahul, recovering from a quadriceps injury, and Jadeja, healing from a hamstring issue, are currently at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. While the NCA doctors haven’t submitted their final report, there is optimism about their recovery, making them potential inclusions for the upcoming Tests in Rajkot and Ranchi.
Siraj Poised for Return, Bumrah to Play in Third Test Without Rest:
Pacer Mohammed Siraj is set to make a return to the Indian test squad for the third Test against England in Rajkot. Siraj, who was released from the test squad for the second Test, is expected to share the workload with Jasprit Bumrah. The Indian team management has indicated reluctance to play four spinners, making Siraj a likely inclusion in the XI, replacing Mukesh Kumar, who faced challenges with his line and length in the previous Test.
Contrary to some media reports suggesting that Bumrah might be rested for the third Test, it is now confirmed that the newly-crowned No.1-ranked Test bowler will feature in Rajkot. Bumrah has been a crucial leader in India’s bowling attack, and the team management aims to utilize him in this crucial stage of the series. The 9-day gap between the second and third Tests is considered sufficient to manage Bumrah’s workload. However, if India secures a victory in the third Test, there is a possibility that Bumrah may be rested for the fourth Test in Ranchi, given the limited gap between the two matches.
With the five-match series currently tied at 1-1, the third Test holds significant importance as a victory in that match would put the team in an advantageous position.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
