XtraTime Web Desk: After losing the penultimate match by a comprehensive margin of 8 wickets in the hands of England, India received yet another bigger blow, when Indian selectors held back Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s name in the squad announced for the first three Test matches starting August 1.
“Bhuvneshwar Kumar aggravated a lower back condition in the 3rd ODI against England. His condition is being assessed by the BCCI medical team and a call on his inclusion in the Test squad will be made soon,” a statement issued by the Board read.
Though TOI, have confirmed that Bhuvi has been ruled out of the first three Tests against England at – Edgbaston, Lord’s and Trent Bridge – and is in fact on his way back home. If given the green signal in August, he will join the squad once the squad for the last two Test matches is announced.
In the third and the final ODI at Leeds, Kumar barely touched 120 kmph as India failed to defend an insufficient 257-run target to lose the series 2-1.
Team India camp says the back injury that kept troubling Kumar during the IPL has resurfaced. BCCI’s Wednesday statement, that “Kumar aggravated a lower-back condition” – say BCCI officials as well as the Indian team management – was in reference to the IPL stint.