Squad Selection Nears for Sri Lanka Tour
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to announce India‘s Test squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka by Tuesday. This confirmation comes from BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, as selectors evaluate the fitness of key players ahead of the two ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Test matches.
The primary concern for the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, revolves around the fitness of fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is also anticipated to return to the squad for the series.
Bumrah’s Recovery and Jadeja’s Return
Jasprit Bumrah‘s fitness is a significant point of discussion. He missed the recent series-deciding third ODI against England at Lord’s due to an impact injury and reactive swelling on his left knee. Reports indicate that his recovery process is being monitored, with the Test series still several weeks away, potentially allowing him enough time to join the team in Sri Lanka.
However, it remains to be seen if Bumrah will be able to travel with the squad in early August. The Indian team is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka by August 4 and will play a four-day warm-up match at the Nondescripts Cricket Club in Colombo from August 7 to 10 to help with acclimatisation.
Veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is expected to make his return to the Shubman Gill-led side. His all-round skills are considered valuable for the series against Sri Lanka. Jadeja had previously played an ODI against New Zealand in January and was rested from a match against Afghanistan, as well as not being selected for the ODI series in England.
Another player whose fitness is being assessed is off-spin bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar. He is recovering from a right hamstring strain that ruled him out of the game at Lord’s, and his availability for the series is yet to be confirmed.
Potential Bowling Line-up and Tour Schedule
The pace attack for the series is expected to feature Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna. In the spin department, Kuldeep Yadav is slated to lead, supported by left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, who recently had an impressive debut against Afghanistan.
Washington Sundar, who recorded a four-wicket haul in the second innings against Afghanistan at Mullanpur, could be the third spinner. Left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey is also expected to continue as a back-up slow bowler.
The Indian squad, led by Shubman Gill, will play two Test matches as part of their ICC World Test Championship commitments. The first Test is scheduled to take place at the Galle International Cricket Stadium from August 15 to 19. The second and final Test will be held at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo from August 23 to 27.
This tour marks India‘s first Test series in Sri Lanka since 2017. The BCCI is also planning a review meeting in early August to discuss the national team’s recent white-ball performances, following T20I series defeats in Ireland and England, and an ODI series loss.
Source: m.rediff.com
