India fast bowler Ishant Sharma is likely to miss the second Test against New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday.
According to cricket expert Vimal Kumar, who was at the venue to cover the Team India practice session, Ishant was not bowling in the nets on Friday after recurring an ankle injury while playing for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy last month.
Umesh Yadav or Navdeep Saini Will replace Ishant Sharma:
If confirmed, it will be a big loss for India as he had taken five wickets in the first test match held in Wellington, which gave India a chance to fight and make a comeback.
If Ishant is unable to participate in the playing XI, he will be replaced by Umesh Yadav or Navdeep Saini, who was sweating profusely during Friday’s practice session. The Board of Control for India (BCCI) has not yet confirmed Ishant’s absence for the second test.
Ishant has injured in the Delhi Ranji Trophy while playing against Vidarbha in January. While backpedaling, Ishant turned his ankle and was seen wincing after falling on the ground.
Ishant had suffered a grade 3 tear on his right ankle and was expected to be out of the tour of New Zealand completely. However, the pacer turned things around and returned to the first Test against Kiwis. But it seems that the particular injury has once again returned to haunt the speedster.
Ishant Sharma Needs Only Three Wickets:
Ishant needs only three wickets to join 300 Indian clubs, but the experienced pacer will have to wait for the next time to put his name along with has named after Anil Kumble (619), Kapil Dev (434), Harbhajan Singh (417), R Ashwin (365) and Zaheer Khan (297).
In Christchurch match, gradually India is losing more control over its bowling than any other aspect. After recovering from a stress fracture, Bumrah is still going back to the rhythm, and Shami is an Indian fast bowler, as he fits the role of an open attacker.
With the green pitch awaiting India at Hagley Oval, losing their most crucial fast bowler – their most vital player away from home – shows their biggest test when they look to tie the series 1-0.
