Ishant Sharma ruled out
Indian fast bowler Ishant Sharma who recently recovered from ankle injury, seems to ruled out from the second test match. India already lose the first test match against New Zealand and in need to win the second test match to equal the series. It’s a massive blow for India who tries to equal the series.
Ishant Sharma did bowl for a while two days out from the match on Thursday (February 27). He however, was absent from training on the eve of the match. According to a source, Ishant had informed the team management of pain in the same ankle after bowling for nearly 20 minutes in the nets on Thursday. He was sent for tests on Friday (February 28), results for which are still awaited, but there are indications that the injury flare-up could rule Ishant out for a long time, putting even his IPL participation with Delhi Capitals into doubt.
Umesh Yadav set in
It seems Umesh Yadav has been replaced for Ishant as head coach Ravi Shastri and bowling coach Bharat Arun were spotted having a lengthy chat with Umesh on the sidelines of the nets session. Where the Indian seemers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami were absent either. The two however, had bowled lengthy spells the previous morning at the Hagley Oval nets.
Ishant’s 300 test wicket-postponed
As Ishant Sharma has been ruled out from the second test match his upcoming achievement of 300 wickets in test match has been postponed. The Indian team not surprisingly is learnt to have left the decision to rule Ishant out till as late as possible. But it looks very likely now that he will sit it out as they don’t want to take the risk of playing him and then losing a specialist bowler midway through the game.
Ashwin “OUT’ Jadeja “IN”
After losing the test in Wellington India decide to drag in Jadeja instead for Ashwin to perform in batting too. Ashwin who don’t shine well in the first test match has been ruled out of the second test match against New Zealand.
This is the first test match for Umesh in New Zealand and has of late played most of his Tests on home soil. Umesh had a rather successful home summer, where he played mostly in place of the injured Bumrah, with 23 wickets at 13.65 in 4 Tests. He last appeared in an away Test at the Perth Stadium in December 2018, when India played four fast bowlers.
