ENGvsIND: Bhuvneshwar, Devdutt Padikkal likely to fly to the UK for five-match test series.
ENGvsIND: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is now planning to send at least three replacements in wake of the injuries that have occurred in the Indian camp in England.
Opening batsman Shubman Gill along with bowlers Washington Sundar and Avesh Khan were earlier ruled out due to their respective injury concerns.
The former opening batsman sustained a shin stress injury while the latter two got finger injuries during the three-day warm-up match between India and County Select XI.
The national selectors are now on the alert to send a couple of replacements covering the injuries for a long tour of five test matches consisting of 40 days.
“It is a conscious decision on part of BCCI. Earlier when it was just one opener (Gill), the Board decided there were two options available in KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran, but now a good all-rounder and an upcoming pacer both have been ruled out. Given the length of the tournament, BCCI has now decided to send in replacements,” a BCCI official has been quoted as saying by the Times of India.
Some experts believe that Rahul Dravid’s decision not to field Devdutt Padikkal in the last ODI against Sri Lanka despite having six changes in the team could be an indication that the young batsman is considered as the replacement for the England tour.
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Pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who was dropped off from the test squad for England due to his everlasting injuries, is also in the mix of players.
“Probably why Rahul Dravid decided not to play Devdutt Padikkal despite considering five replacements for Friday’s game. Bhuvneshwar Kumar could be in the mix too, considering he can bat and can be effective in English conditions.”
The first test between India and England will begin on 4th August and less than 10 days are left for the match.
Here is Complete India vs England Test Series Schedule:
1st Test: August 4th – 8th at Trent Bridge, in Nottingham
2nd Test: August 12th – 16th at Lords, in London
3rd Test: August 25th – 29th at Headingley Stadium, in Leeds
4th Test: September 2nd – 6th at Kennington Oval, in London
5th Test: September 10th – 14th at Old Trafford, in Manchester
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