Avesh Khan, a young pacer, has been selected for India’s Test squad ahead of the second game of the upcoming Test series against South Africa in Cape Town. He takes the place of Mohammed Shami, who was appointed to the squad subject to fitness but was unable to travel with the team owing to an ankle injury.
The BCCI announced Avesh as Shami’s successor in a statement. This is what it said:
The Men’s Selection Committee has nominated Mr Avesh Khan as a substitute for Mr Mohd. Shami for the second Test against South Africa, which will be played in Cape Town from January 3rd to 7th, 2024.
Avesh is coming off a five-wicket haul against South Africa A, which may be precisely what Team India needs right now.
Avesh Khan is expected to make his Test debut in Cape Town – The Proteas destroyed India in Centurion, winning by an innings and 45 runs in three days of cricket.
The hitters were unable to apply themselves against the ferocious South African pacers, but India’s bowling was equally unimpressive.
Prasidh Krishna made an unimpressive debut, and Shardul Thakur was unable to fill in for Shami. This will give India plenty to ponder about as they prepare for the second Test.
Mukesh Kumar is among the visitors’ ranks, and the Bengal pacer has enough first-class experience to hit the ground running in a crucial Test match.
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After India suffered one of their worst defeats in South Africa, skipper Rohit Sharma bemoaned the lack of support offered to pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah by other bowlers
This was hardly a 400-run wicket, and we surrendered far too many runs. We sprayed the ball all over the place, but that happens.
One cannot rely on a single bowler; the other three pacers must also do their jobs; we can learn from how South Africa bowled,” Rohit said after the game.
Bumrah bowled excellently, and we all know how good he is. All he sought was some encouragement, which he did not receive.
That occurs. All three tried hard, bending their backs, but it didn’t go as planned.
“However, games like these teach you a lot about what you want to do as a bowling unit,” Rohit continued.
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