India faced a dual setback as they not only suffered a loss in the series opener in Hyderabad but also received the news that Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul won’t be available for the second Test in Visakhapatnam, commencing on February 2.
Jadeja’s Hamstring Worry and Rahul’s Quadriceps Strain Leave Team India in a Fix
During Day 4 of the Hyderabad fixture, Ravindra Jadeja sustained a hamstring injury while batting. In India’s second innings, while attempting a quick single, he was run out by a direct hit from Ben Stokes. Observers noted him clutching his hamstring while sprinting for the run. Cricbuzz had initially reported that the team management was awaiting scans, which have confirmed his unavailability for the upcoming game. Meanwhile, KL Rahul will also be absent from the match due to complaints of right quadriceps pain.
Yesterday,(Monday), it was a customary procedure to dispatch scan reports of injured players to a Mumbai institute. In this particular instance, a professional medical opinion was expected by evening on the same day. Ravindra Jadeja’s response to the injury while walking back was not encouraging, and the initial assessment wasn’t optimistic, although nothing conclusive had been determined at that point. An informed source had mentioned, “What we understand is that it is a hamstring pull and not a tear; so he should be fine for the third Test certainly if he can’t play the second.”
After the match, coach Rahul Draivd left the matter open-ended stating he had no information. “I honestly haven’t had a chance to speak to the physio as yet. Once I get back, I’ll speak to him and see what it is about,” said Dravid when asked about Jadeja’s fitness.
Jadeja & KL Rahul’s Absence Paves the Way for New Faces in the 2nd Test
As Jadeja is deemed unfit, Kuldeep Yadav stands as a potential replacement. Nevertheless, the team will certainly feel the absence of the all-rounder, particularly due to his batting prowess and outstanding fielding skills. Jadeja, who scored 87, was India’s highest run-scorer in the first innings. However, in the second innings, he could only contribute two runs before being run out. His combined bowling figures in the Test were five for 219.
With Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul ruled out, the selection committee has included Sarfaraz Khan, Saurabh Kumar, and Washington Sundar in the squad for the second Test. All three players were part of the India A side in the ongoing series against England Lions. Sarfaraz joins the squad following his impressive performance, scoring 161 off 160 balls, inclusive of 18 fours and 5 sixes, in the second unofficial Test against England Lions last week. Saurabh Kumar also played a crucial role in the innings victory, securing a fifer in the second innings for the home side.
The India squad for the 2nd Test includes Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (Wicketkeeper), Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (Vice-Captain), Avesh Khan, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Washington Sundar, and Saurabh Kumar.
In the India A squad for the third match starting on February 1 in Ahmedabad, Saransh Jain from Madhya Pradesh replaces Washington Sundar. Avesh Khan will continue traveling with his Ranji side Madhya Pradesh and will join the Test squad if required.
On Monday, which would have been the fifth and final day of the completed Test, the Indian team stayed back in Hyderabad. They are scheduled today(Tuesday) to fly to Visakhapatnam.
Bumrah Faces Reprimand: ICC Code of Conduct Breach in First Test Against England
Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has received an official reprimand for a level 1 breach of the ICC code of conduct during Day 4 of the first Test between India and England in Hyderabad. The breach occurred when Bumrah deliberately stepped in Ollie Pope’s way as he attempted a run. This incident marked Bumrah’s first offence in the past 24 months, resulting in the addition of a demerit point to his record.
The ICC stated that Bumrah was found to have breached Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which pertains to “inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator during an International Match).”
The occurrence took place in the 81st over of England’s second innings. On-field umpires Paul Reiffel and Chris Gaffaney, along with third umpire Marais Erasmus and fourth umpire Rohan Pandit, were responsible for leveling the charges.
Bumrah accepted the proposed sanction from match referee Richie Richardson, eliminating the need for a formal hearing.
