Breaking News: Ishant Sharma Ruled Out Of Australia Tests; Rohit Sharma's Fitness To Be Assessed On 11th December

If it were not enough that the announcement of Ishant Sharma’s non-participation in the first two Tests in Australia came to light, the paceman would miss the entire series. Opening batsman Rohit Sharma, who will skip the limited-overs leg of the tour, remains unclear of him taking part. The BCCI has announced that an assessment would take place on the 11th of December to gain more clarity. The first of the four Tests begins on the 17th.

The BCCI announced that Ishant Sharma has recovered from his side strain injury suffered during IPL 2020 and is building himself up to achieve match fitness. However, the veteran would not be able to take part in the high-voltage Test series. Ishant Sharma has been the spearhead of India’s bowling attack in red-ball cricket for a long time now. The 31-year old has 297 wickets in 97 Tests and was chiefly responsible the last time India beat Australian down under.

With Ishant Sharma missing from the squad, the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami have to carry some heavy workload against a formidable Australian side. The return of David Warner and Steve Smith has strengthened the Australian team in the upcoming Test series, unlike the one in 2018-19. On the other hand, the emergence of Marnus Labuchagne, Virat Kohli’s decision to skip the last three Tests, and Ishant’s absence only increase their chances of victory.

Rohit Sharma presently undergoing rehab at NCA:

Rohit Sharma’s injury saga has been an entirely confusing and a cluttered one. The BCCI has not maintained clarity on the 33-year old’s fitness, changing their stances frequently while Rohit has also been reckless with his condition, taking part in IPL games despite not being fully fit. BCCI President Sourav Ganguly announced earlier that he negotiate with Cricket Australia to reduce the quarantine rules for Rohit and Ishant.

However, as per recent developments, the board would have clarity only after conducting an assessment on the 11th of next month. It also emerged as a confirmation that the 33-year old went to Mumbai to attend his ill father and having recuperated well, it has allowed him to travel to Bangalore and start his rehabilitation. If the assessment turns out as a negative one, Rohit could fall in line behind Ishant to be ruled out of the Test series in Australia.

Also Read: KL Rahul Can Score A Double-Hundred If He Opens In Rohit Sharma’s Absence: Aakash Chopra