India’s squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka is set to be announced next week. Jasprit Bumrah’s recovery is the main discussion point as the pacer is in a race against time to recover from an injury he suffered while playing the recently concluded ODI series against England. The left knee of Bumrah had suffered an impact, reactive swelling, and bruising during the limited-overs matches against the rivals.
India will kick off their Test series in Colombo on August 15 with the first match in Galle followed by the second and final Test in Colombo on August 23. While there is hope that Bumrah will recover, the same cannot be said for certain that he will recover in time to fly with the team when it departs for the first week of August.
Ravindra Jadeja set for return as India weigh pace-spin combination
According to a source close to the action, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is recovering well during his rehabilitation and has enough time to get fit for the first Test.
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“We are keeping track of Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s recovery. The Tests start in about three weeks, so he has ample time to get back to full fitness and join the team in Sri Lanka,” said the source while talking to PTI.
India’s team management wants the fast bowler to join the squad for the four-day preparatory match against Sri Lanka at the Nondescripts Cricket Club in Colombo starting on August 4 to acclimatise himself to the conditions in the island nation. The game, to be played in Colombo, would be the first official match for Bumrah after his injury.
“We will know if Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be fit for the exhibition game soon,” said the source. “In the meantime, Ravindra Jadeja is set to resume his Test career after nearly two months. He was on the bench for the recent ODI series against England, but he will be a great asset due to the spin-friendly conditions in Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, the Indian bowling attack, if Bhuvneshwar Kumar is fit, will be led by Bumrah with Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna providing back-up pace attack. Kuldeep Yadav is expected to lead the spin attack while Manav Suthar is likely to add to his two Test appearances against Afghanistan.
Washington Sundar is also in line to bowl his best after claiming four wickets in the second innings of the Test match against Afghanistan in Mullanpur, while left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey is also expected to provide back-up as India prepares for the subcontinental battle.
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