IND vs ENG: Axar Patel ruled out of 1st Test, replacements announced

Just hours before the 1st IND vs ENG Test, India have received a major blow as spin bowler Axar Patel is ruled out of the match due to an injury. The team management has announced his replacement. Shahbaz Nadeem and Rahul Chahar are added in the squad as a replacement for Axar.

Knee injury rules out Axar Patel from 1st Test

The BCCI has released a press release stating the details about Axar’s injury. According to BCCI, the left-arm spinner has injured his knee during the team’s training session on 4th February.

Axar Patel ruled out of first @Paytm #INDvENG Test; Shahbaz Nadeem & Rahul Chahar added to India squad

More details ? https://t.co/2uk74iyVpW pic.twitter.com/MpUdUGMauB

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 5, 2021

Axar was a key part of India’s team as he was supposed to fill the gap of an all-rounder. He was roped in the team as a replacement for Ravindra Jadeja who is also out of action due to injury. And now Axar’s injury puts India in further spot of bother as his injury means India are devoid of services of a bowler who could also bat a bit.

Also read: IND vs ENG: Pant or Saha? Kohli confirms Wicket-Keeper for 1st Test

S Nadeem and R Chahar added in the squad

The management has added left-arm spinner S Nadeem and leg-break bowler Rahul Chahar in the squad as a replacement for Axar. Nadeem has played one Test while Chahar is yet to feature in Test cricket.

However, the availability of Sundar and Kuldeep in the squad means the duo of Nadeem and Chahar may not get chances to feature in the playing XI.

Also read: IND vs ENG: England opener ruled out of first two Tests

Washington Sundar and Kuldeep to get a nod ahead?

Injury to Axar could mean the other two spinners in the squad, Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar will feature in India’s playing XI. India are expected to play 3 spinners in the first Test at Chennai and R Ashwin will lead the spin bowling for the hosts in the India vs England Test series. And the remaining two slot for spinners will go to Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar. Sundar will now play the role of the all-rounder, something which he showed he is capable of, during the 4th Test against Australia.

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