Akash Deep Set For Test Recall Ahead Of New Zealand Tour
Akash Deep is in line for a Test recall as the Indian selectors prepare to pick three squads for the upcoming New Zealand tour, which begins with the T20I series on October 22.
The 29-year-old fast bowler returned to competitive cricket in the Irani Cup after missing seven months with a lower-back stress injury. He impressed on his comeback, taking six wickets for 68 runs across two innings for Rest of India.
A BCCI official familiar with the developments told PTI that the team management had asked the Rest of India coaching staff to handle Akash carefully as he prepares for a return to the national side.
The pacer is currently bowling at an average speed of 138-140 kmph, which is viewed as a positive sign regarding his fitness.
Selectors Face Test And ODI Challenges
The four-member selection committee, headed by Pragyan Ojha, is expected to meet on Tuesday or Wednesday to finalise the squads.
The selectors will also pick the India A squad for a shadow tour of New Zealand, where the team will play three unofficial Tests between October 24 and November 10 as preparation for the two World Test Championship matches beginning November 19.
The main selection challenge will be managing the overlap between the ODI and Test squads. India will play five ODIs on the tour, with the final ODI scheduled in Tauranga on November 15 and the first Test beginning in Wellington just four days later.
With a day likely to be required for travel, India will have only around three days to prepare for the Test series. Several players, including captain Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Nitish Kumar Reddy, are expected to feature in both formats.
Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar are also in contention, subject to their fitness.
Iyer Could Lead In Final Two ODIs
There is a possibility that Gill and some Test regulars could be rested for the last two ODIs to begin their preparation for the Test series.
If Gill opts to start his Test preparations early, vice-captain Shreyas Iyer could take over as captain for the final two 50-over matches.
The overlap with the India A series could also force the selectors to balance workloads. While some players could miss the first-class matches to play the ODIs, Test specialists and one-format players such as Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan are expected to feature in at least one India A game.
Extra Fast Bowler Could Be Included
The Test squad could comprise 16 or 17 players, with the selectors considering an additional fast bowler.
Bumrah, Siraj, Prasidh, Brar and Akash Deep are currently in the mix. If a sixth pacer is selected, the choice could come from Auqib Nabi, Mukesh Kumar and Anshul Kamboj, all of whom are also in contention for India A selection.
A larger squad would provide India with cover during the tour, particularly because arranging replacements in New Zealand at short notice could be difficult.
The BCCI has reportedly prepared visas for 60 leading Indian cricketers for the tour, covering the T20Is, ODIs, Tests and the three India A unofficial Tests.
