Ishant Sharma to undergo fitness test ahead of Test series
Team India fast bowler Ishant Sharma will be appearing for a fitness test ahead of India's Test series against New Zealand. The test which is scheduled to take place in Bengaluru on February 15, will determine his availability for the series. The 31-year-old earlier injured the ligament on his right ankle during a Ranji Trophy match against Vidarbha on January 21. Here's more.
Match fitness depends on how rusty the player is: Source
"Ishant is scheduled to take a fitness test on Feb 14-15. A call on him will be taken after that," a sources told TOI. "He is working very hard and is determined to reach the 100-Test mark as soon as possible," added the source.
Team management is positive about his recovery
Ishant's initial report suggested that he will require six weeks of rest. He is presently undergoing treatment under the supervision of National Cricket Academy (NCA). However, BCCI seems confident of his timely recovery as he was included in the final squad. If deemed fit, he will likely spearhead the Indian pace attack. Ishant will miss India's three-day practice game commencing on February 14.
Ishant is India's mainstay in the pace attack
Ishant Sharma has been pivotal for the Indian pace attack in the longest format for the last three years. He is nearing the 300-wicket mark, having scalped 292 wickets in 96 Tests so far. Besides, he averages 22.63 since January 2017 with 80 wickets in 23 matches. In 2019, he went past Kapil Dev after taking his 156th Test wicket outside Asia.
Ishant Sharma has fared well for India in away Tests
Ishant's average of 20.50 in away Tests since January 2018 is the second by an Indian pacer best after Jasprit Bumrah. He took 48 wickets in 12 Tests away from home during this period.
Ishant could make the difference in the Test series
Ishant's availability will further boost the chances of Team India in the upcoming Test series. India will be banking heavily on his bright form in the recent Tests. His bowling average of 15.56 in 2019 proves why India require their most experienced pacer against New Zealand. He also snapped up 11 wickets in 2 Ranji Trophy games before getting injured midway through the tournament.
