The India test team is in Durham to prepare for the five-match test series against England. They will play two tour matches against the county team ahead of the test series.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced the Indian playing XI for the first tour match. India’s regular skipper Virat Kohli has been advised rest by the BCCI medical team as he felt some stiffness in his back, while Ishant Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Mohammed Shami have also been rested for the match.
Vice-Captain Ajinkya Rahane misses out on the match due to mild swelling around his left upper hamstring. He is expected to fully recover before the first test match. Washington Sundar and Avesh Khan will play for County XI as the Indian team management accepted the request made by ECB after some County XI players were deemed unavailable.
India has won the toss and has elected to bat first. Opening batsman Rohit Sharma is leading the Indian team against County XI.
Playing XI: Rohit Sharma (Capt), Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, KL Rahul (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Md Siraj
#TeamIndia have won the toss and will bat first against County XI here at Durham.
Playing XI : Rohit Sharma (Capt), Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, KL Rahul (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Md Siraj pic.twitter.com/j4ziX2zBnV
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 20, 2021
Indian wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant had earlier tested positive for the Covid-19 virus. Apart from Pant, India’s throw-down specialist Dayanand Garani had also returned positive for the virus. Bowling coach Bharat Arun and wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha were also in isolation as they were deemed as close contacts.
As per reports, Rishabh Pant has recovered has now tested negative for the virus. He will soon join the Indian team bio-bubble. In Rishabh’s absence, KL Rahul will keep wickets for the Indian side. Pant is expected to play the second tour match will be played later this month.
Team India wears black armbands to mourn the demise of Yashpal Sharma
#TeamIndia are sporting black armbands to mourn the sad demise of former India cricketer Yashpal Sharma ji, who sadly passed away on 13th July after a cardiac arrest. Head Coach @RaviShastriOfc was his teammate in the 1983 World Cup winning squad. pic.twitter.com/A72aZ258aT
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 20, 2021
Team India players are sporting a black armband to mourn the demise of former India cricketer Yashpal Sharma. On July 13, 2021, Yashpal Sharma breathed his last at around 7:40 am. He suffered a heart attack after coming home from a morning walk.
Yashpal Sharma was part of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team. He made his debut in 1979 against England and has represented India in 37 test matches and 42 ODIs. Yashpal Sharma was also the national selector in 2005 and in 2008.
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