Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Ankle injury could keep Ishant out of 2nd Test

February 28, 2020 14:29 IST

Ishant Sharma

IMAGE: Ishant Sharma was India's most impressive bowler in the first Test against New Zealand, taking 5 for 68 in 22.2 overs. Photograph: Martin Hunter/Reuters

The Indian team's worries ahead of the second Test against New Zealand increased after senior-most pacer Ishant Sharma skipped Friday's practice session due to pain in his right ankle, making him a doubtful starter for the game.

 

Ishant came for practice but apparently felt discomfort after which he was taken for a precautionary scan of his right ankle.

The reports are awaited and if he is ruled unfit, then either Umesh Yadav or Navdeep Saini will take his place.

Umesh looks a more likely candidate at the moment because of his experience of 45 Tests.

Ishant, who was the best Indian bowler on view with figures of 5/68 in 22.2 overs against New Zealand in Wellington, joined the team before the series after recovering sufficiently from a grade three tear on his right ankle sustained during a Ranji Trophy game against Vidarbha.

He was expected to be out for six weeks but apparently made a "miraculous recovery" at the National Cricket Academy under physio Ashish Kaushik.

He looked in good rhythm despite battling fatigue and jet lag as he arrived in Wellington from Bengaluru barely 72 hours before the start of the first Test.

© Copyright 2024 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.