India fast bowler Ishant Sharma is doubtful for the second Test against New Zealand which starts from February 29 in Christchurch. According to reports, Ishant’s ankle injury has resurfaced and he could be replaced by Umesh Yadav in the playing XI for the next game.
Ishant did bowl for a short while in the nets on Thursday but was not present in the training session on Friday. He had passed the fitness test just before the start of the two-match Test series and had joined the Indian squad just a couple of days before the first match in Wellington.
Losing Ishant could be a big blow for Virat Kohli’s team as he was by far the best bowler on show in the first game, which India lost by 10 wickets.
The 31-year-old was drafted straightaway in the playing XI despite being jet-lagged and sleep-deprived but the fast bowler showed no signs of any discomfort on the field once he had the ball in his hands and ended up with a five-wicket haul.
Ishant is nearing a major milestone in his career as he is just 3 wickets away from completing 300 Test wickets. The 97-Test veteran will become the slowest bowler to reach the landmark whenever he gets there, surpassing Daniel Vettori who got there in 94 matches.
Umesh Yadav meanwhile, last played in the Day-night Test against Bangladesh in Kolkata last year where he picked up 8 wickets in the match, including a five-for in the second innings. He has been in good form with the ball and has been playing competitive cricket regularly to keep himself match fit.
Umesh played in the Ranji Trophy for Vidarbha after the two Tests against Bangladesh and picked up 8 wickets in five matches for his side. He also played in the practice game against New Zealand XI in Hamilton, grabbing a couple of wickets in the drawn game.
Prithvi Shaw’s foot injury was also a major cause for concern for Team India but head coach Ravi Shastri on Friday confirmed that the opener is fit for the 2nd Test. Shaw had also missed Thursday’s practice with a swollen left foot
“Prithvi is ready to go (after recovering from an injury scare),” said Shastri in the pre-match press conference.
India are down 0-1 in the series after suffering their first loss in the ICC World Test Championship earlier this week. They still lead the table with 360 points and would be raring to bounce back and level the series against the Black Caps at the Hagley Oval.
