India vs Australia 2017: Hosts Recall Ravindra Jadeja As Axar Patel's Replacement

Ravindra Jadeja has been recalled to the ODI team for the three matches of the upcoming five-match series against Australia. The left-arm spinner, who was initially not in the squad, has been called up as the replacement for Axar Patel for the first three ODIs against Australia.

Axar suffered a left ankle sprain during a football session on Friday (September 15) and did not take part in the full-fledged nets session on Saturday. The Gujarat star was one of India’s standout performer in the last ODI series against Sri Lanka. The 23-year old, who had made a comeback to the ODI team during the series, claimed six wickets in four games at an economy rate of 3.85 as the Men in Blue thrashed the Islanders by 5-0.

Meanwhile, it will be a chance for Jadeja to prove his worth in the 50-over cricket once again. The left-arm spinner, who is an indispensable part of the Test team, has not enjoyed the best of outings in ODIs in recent times. He had managed only 4 wickets in Champions Trophy and had gone wicketless in the first two games against West Indies before being dropped from the team.

He was later rested for the Sri Lanka series and questions were raised on his role in ODI team after he was not included in the team for the upcoming series too. However, contrary to the popular speculations, chief selector MSK Prasad had said the spinner along with Ravinchandran Ashwin was rested and not dropped.

“The team for the three ODIs against Australia has been selected in line with the rotation policy of the Board and accordingly Ashwin and Jadeja have been rested. The team’s performance during the Sri Lanka tour was outstanding and players like Axar Patel and Yuzv endra Chahal, who performed very well are being given an extended run and this will in turn supplement our approach, to build strong reserve strength, as we prepare for forthcoming tours,” Prasad had said.

The five-match series will start on Sunday (September 17) in Chennai.