Indian team have landed in UK as the next destination for their non stop international cricket calendar. India will be fielding two teams, one in Ireland and the other in England. Hardik Pandya led team will play 2 T20 games in Ireland, while Rohit Sharma and his men get ready for the final test starting 1st July. The BCCI has confirmed that Shubman Gill will partner Rohit Sharma in the test match at Birmingham. Gill, replaces KL Rahul at the top after the 30 year old was injured and missed the South Africa T20 series.
Ashwin misses the flight to England –
The Indian team were hit with a big blow when it was revealed that Ashwin the lead off spinner of the team had missed the flight. With the test match just 10 days away, Ashwin who is in prime form will be a key player for India. It has now come to light that the 35 year old off spinner ahs tested positive for COVID-19. The news comes from a source from the BCCI.
BCCI source reveals the details –
As per the news doing the rounds, Ashwin is likely to miss the tour game against Leicestershire. The BCCI is hoping, Ashwin will be okay by the time the first test comes through. According to the source who was heard saying "Ashwin hasn't travelled with the squad to the UK as he has tested positive for Covid 19 before departure. But we are hopeful that he will recover well in time before the Test match starts on July 1. However he might miss the practice game against Leicestershire”
Ashwin a passenger during the last tour of England –
It was a hot topic of debate, as Kohli did not pick Ashwin for any of the 4 tests that were played last year. This bought forward news that some of the senior players in the team including Ashwin, weren’t happy with Kohli. Ashwin will on the 4th tour of England, and if he doesn’t make it to the test team, Ravindra Jadeja could start the game. Post the test, Ashwin comes back to India as he isn’t slated to be picked for the white ball series, and India’s next assignment is in December as far as test cricket is concerned. Ashwin last played test cricket early this year, when Sri Lanka and India battled in a 2 game series.