Will R Ashwin play in the first Test against England?

R ASHWIN SUFFERS INJURY

It seems like a bad omen for the Indian squad ahead of the England Test series. Previously, Jasprit Bumrah was suffering from fractured thumb, then Bhuvneshwar Kumar had a back injury. Now,the latest one to suffer an injury scare is R Ashwin.

The off-spinner couldn’t play in the three day warm-up game against Essex after he suffered a right hand injury during practice and to avoid any further damage,he decided not to bowl, bat or field that day.

The spinners are very much essential for the series considering the weather condition at England. The inclusion of the young duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal even in the longer format of the game is being talked about. While Yadav is in the squad for the England series, Chahal’s position is still not confirmed yet.

SOURAV GANGULY BACKS ASHWIN AHEAD OF THE TEST SERIES 

Ganguly backed Ashwin and said that the spinner can’t be left out that easily. He believes that Ashwin’s Test record is really good and he “deserves a lot more opportunities”.

“You can’t let Ashwin fade away so quickly, because 300 wickets is not a matter of joke,” said Ganguly.

“Ashwin has a place in the side. He’ll make a comeback because he feels challenged,he knows Kuldeep is there in the playing 11 .But you got to remember the leg spin in the IPL, he will be get better and come back stronger.”

Ashwin got hit in the right hand during a net session on Thursday morning. The Indian team management informed that the physio has seen through it and deduced that it was a simple minor injury. However, Ashwin later bowled in the nets during the lunch break.

The Indian spinners will play a very crucial role in the five-match Test series against England. This is because England have had a very hot summer this time around and that may result into drier pitches, something that should suit the Indian spinners.

Even James Anderson commented that the pitch conditions should be more favourable to India’s liking but they were really hoping for some down pouring before the Test series begins on August 1.