The India squad for the last three Tests against England is likely to be announced later today (February 9) and here are the latest and live updates of the team announcement.
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The series is tied 1-1 after India won the second Test in Visakhapatnam following a nine-wicket match-haul by Jasprit Bumrah and a double ton from opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal. The hosts are expected to announce their squad for the remainder of the series on Friday, and this is what we have gathered so far.
India Test squad announcement for last three Tests: Live updates
Reports – Shreyas Iyer to miss last three Tests
According to reports in the Indian Express and Cricbuzz, Iyer is likely to miss at least the Rajkot Test, and could be in for an extended rehabilitation that could delay his return.
Virat Kohli likely to extend rest
The latest reports suggest that Kohli, who missed the first two Tests due to personal reasons, is expected to be absent for at least the next two matches as well. Kohli, who had flown to Hyderabad, the venue of the first Test against England, pulled out soon after the India squad for the first two games were announced. AB de Villiers claimed the player was expecting his second child with his wife Anushka Sharma, which he later clarified was false information.
Jasprit Bumrah could be given a break
Bumrah, who is the leading wicket-taker in the series, is likely to be given a break for the third Test to manage his workload. The speedster has been troubled with a back injury in recent times and was away for nearly a year from September 2022.
Considering the packed calendar ahead – the Test series will be followed by the IPL and then the T20 World Cup in June, Bumrah could be given a break for the game. He is likely to be picked for the last two Tests, in Ranchi and Dharamsala.
Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami – The latest injury updates
India’s injury woes are never-ending: After Rahul and Jadeja missed the second Test due to injuries, Iyer is reportedly set to miss the Rajkot game after complaining of back and groin issues. Rahul, who has a quad strain, is expected to be fit for the third Test. Jadeja, who injured his hamstring, could be out for much longer.
Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul and their unfortunate streak of injuries continue. 🫤#INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/EyX0st41JD
— Wisden India (@WisdenIndia) January 30, 2024
There remains no update on Shami’s return. He has not played a game since the final of the World Cup in November and also missed the South Africa tour due to injury.
Mohammed Siraj set to return
Siraj, who was rested from the second Test, is all set to be named in the squad for the last three games. The quick had been replaced by Mukesh Kumar in the XI, with a statement by the BCCI saying he would be available for selection for the third Test.
What’s the update on Ishan Kishan?
KS Bharat’s string of low scores – he averages 20.09 after 12 Test innings – has put question marks over his spot in the side but he can be expected to carry on after Rahul Dravid all but confirmed Ishan Kishan is not in the fray to get a call-up. Kishan has been in the news after a reported rift with the management and the head coach said he will be considered again after he plays domestic cricket, which he hasn’t. Rahul is returning from an injury and is unlikely to be given the gloves, while Dhruv Jurel’s inclusion could make the middle order more inexperienced.
