In a major blow to the already injury-ridden opening batting line-up of India, Mayank Agarwal was struck on the head during the practice session. Shubman Gil, another opener has already returned back to India following an injury. The BCCI has confirmed that Agarwal has been ruled out of the first Test against England after sustaining a concussion during a training session.
Indian vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane told the media, “All the guys are fit for selection. Only Mayank Agarwal, who got hit on the helmet today [is a concern]. The physios are assessing him. The medical team will issue a statement shortly. Otherwise, everyone is available.”
According to PTI, Mayank got hit on the back of the head by a short ball from the fast bowler Mohammed Siraj. Mayank took his eyes away from the ball and got hit on the back of the bed after which he was taken for medical examination. Since Mayank is ruled out for the first test match against England starting August 4, India will be left with no option but to play KL Rahul as the 2nd opener alongside Rohit Sharma.
Mayank, who made his debut in Test cricket for India in December 2018 is fighting for a place in the Indian team after his poor show in Australia during the 2020/21 Test series. He was dropped from the playing eleven after the second test in Brisbane after he managed to score only 52 runs from his four innings. In the latest warm-up match against the County Select Xi, Mayank scored 28 and 47 in the two innings.
