India pacer Jasprit Bumrah is likely to play the third unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A, scheduled to take place in Lincoln from November 7 to 10. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant could also feature in the match, provided he receives fitness clearance from the BCCI medical team.
Both players are part of India’s squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand. The first Test will be played in Wellington from November 19 to 23, followed by the second match in Christchurch from November 27 to December 1.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Bumrah and Pant are currently training at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. Pant arrived at the facility on Friday, while Bumrah joined him on Monday.
Why Is Jasprit Bumrah Training At BCCI’s Centre Of Excellence?
Bumrah’s visit to the CoE is part of the mandatory return-to-play process that players must complete before an international series. The fast bowler is expected to travel to New Zealand on November 1.
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Bumrah last played at the Asian Games in Japan in early October, where India won the gold medal. The selectors subsequently rested him for the home white-ball series against West Indies and the T20I and ODI legs of India’s ongoing tour of New Zealand.
Despite not featuring in those matches, Bumrah is understood to have continued his training in Ahmedabad. The upcoming unofficial Test could give him valuable match practice ahead of the upcoming two-Test match series.
Rishabh Pant’s Fitness Update Ahead Of New Zealand Test Series
Pant is recovering from a side strain he suffered during the Irani Cup in the first week of October. He captained the Rest of India to victory against Jammu and Kashmir in the tournament but picked up the injury during the match.
The setback forced him to miss Delhi’s opening-round Ranji Trophy match as well as the first two unofficial Tests between India A and New Zealand A.
Pant has now started light training at the CoE and has begun batting drills. However, he has not resumed wicketkeeping, and his participation in the third unofficial Test will depend on his recovery and the medical team’s assessment.
With the two-match Test series against New Zealand approaching, the Indian team management will want Pant to regain full fitness before the international assignments begin.
Kumar Kushagra Replaces Rishabh Pant In India A Squad
The selectors named Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra as Pant’s replacement for the first two four-day matches against New Zealand A.
Kushagra was also named as a backup for Ishan Kishan in India’s ongoing T20I series after Kishan suffered a right adductor strain. Kishan, who captains Jharkhand, has been sidelined by the injury.