India’s opener and Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has been put on standby for the England tour even after Rohit Sharma is set to take the YoYo test after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) declared the test as a vital factor for selection in the team.
Going forward, players will be picked after they pass the fitness test. The players gave the fitness test after being picked for the UK tour because of the IPL. It puts the players in an awkward situation and it will not be repeated," BCCI told PTI.
Previously, most players including Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni cleared the test with flying colours. However, Ambati Rayudu failed to reach the ’16.1’ passing score and was dropped to be replaced by southpaw, Suresh Raina.
Rohit Sharma was supposed to appear for the test on June 15 but he skipped it after which the test was scheduled on Sunday for him at National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. But the Mumbai batsman reportedly failed to clear the fitness test on June 17. However, he asked BCCI to provide him with more time and give him a second chance.
In response, BCCI granted Sharma the permission to re-appear on Tuesday for the test. But, Sharma failed to show up for the test. As per the reports, if Sharma fails to appear on Wednesday for the test, he will be substituted.
Also, Rohit had reportedly given the test twice during Indian Premier League this year and had failed to clear them. So, Rahane was kept on standby in case he needed to replace Rohit. Shami too had failed the YoYo test before the Afghanistan Test, but the bowler will get a second chance to prove his fitness prior to the five Tests for England tour.
India will be touring Ireland for two T20 Internationals scheduled for June 27 and 29. After which, the team will tour England and play three T20s, three One-Day Internationals and five Test matches. The tour begins from July 3.
Share
Tweet
