IND vs SA: Avesh Khan Replaces Mohammed Shami In India Test Squad For South Africa 2nd Test

Fast-bowler Avesh Khan has been added to India’s Test squad for the upcoming second Test against South Africa, the BCCI announced on Friday (December 29). The right-arm pacer has replaced veteran pacer Mohammed Shami in the squad.

Shami was a part of the original Test squad but failed to recover in time for the series. He has not played any competitive game since the World Cup final on 19 November due to an ankle injury. He is currently under the watch of the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.

India did not name a replacement for him for the first Test. In his absence, India included uncapped Prasidh Krishna in the playing eleven but the newcomer failed to justify the decision. In 20 overs, he conceded 93 runs and picked up only one wicket. Pacer Shardul Thakur struggled too and conceded 101 runs in just 19 overs.

Avesh Khan added to the Test squad for the second Test:

With India’s fast bowlers struggling in the series opener, the BCCI has added Avesh Khan to the squad for the second and final Test. The 27-year-old has already represented India in ODIs and T20Is but is yet to make his debut in Tests. In 2021, he was named on the standby list for the Test series in England.

Earlier this month, Avesh Khan impressed during the first ODI against South Africa. He picked up 4 wickets for just 27 runs to help India bowl out the Proteas for just 116. Avesh Khan has played 8 ODIs and 19 T20Is so far and has taken a total of 27 wickets.

Meanwhile, India will be looking to bounce back and win the second Test to avoid a series defeat. The Rohit Sharma-led side suffered a humiliating innings defeat in the first Test in Centurion. South Africa outplayed India and won the Test by an innings and 32 runs inside three days. The second Test is scheduled to be played from 3rd-7th January 2024 in Cape Town.

India’s squad for 2nd Test: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Prasidh Krishna, KS Bharat (wk), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Avesh Khan