Shreyas Iyer may be a reserve batsman for Test Series - Reports
With just less than 25 days to go for the all-important Test series, a large cloud of uncertainty looms around the availability of Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma for the first Test. The duo is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy under the watchful eyes of Rahul Dravid.
The Indian team management is considering securing a batsman from the white-ball group currently based in Australia. According to the TOI report, Shreyas Iyer might be asked to stay back as a backup batsman for the four-match Test series. The red-ball contingent has eight batsmen including Virat Kohli. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will be left with few options if Rohit Sharma, who is currently nursing his hamstring, fails to recover in time for the Test series. Looking at the current scenario, a BCCI source strongly stated that Shreyas Iyer could be roped in as a backup batsman if the situation demands so.
“There won’t be any fresh player coming in after Rohit and Ishant’s arrival. The selectors picked a jumbo squad for this reason. If the need arises, Shreyas could be asked to stay back,” a BCCI source was quoted as saying to TOI.
After an 8-month hiatus, Team India will finally resume their international assignment when they face Australia in the 1st ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday.
India Tour of Australia - Schedule
ODI
1st ODI: SCG, Sydney
Date - November 27
2nd ODI: SCG, Sydney
Date - November 29
3rd ODI: Manuka Oval, Canberra
Date - December 2
T20I
1st T20I: Manuka Oval, Canberra
Date - December 4
2nd T20I: SCG, Sydney
Date - December 6
3rd T20I: SCG, Sydney
Date - December 8
Test
1st Test: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Date - December 17 – 21
2nd Test: MCG, Melbourne
Date - December 26 – 30
3rd Test: SCG, Sydney
Date - January 7 – 11
4th Test: The Gabba, Brisbane
Date - January 15 – 19