Xtra Time Web Desk: The test team for the upcoming test series against New Zealand is likely to be announced in the next couple of days. The selectors will name Ajinkya Rahane as the captain for the first test match. Regular test captain Virat Kohli, who has opted out from the first test will be back leading the side in the second test at Mumbai. Rohit Sharma too has been given a break from test series with a view to manage workload.
Meanwhile, keeping bubble fatigue and workload in mind, the national selectors are likely to rest a bunch of regular players from the team for the two-Test series against New Zealand at home. Fast bowlers like Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Shardul Thakur are likely to be rested keeping in mind the tough tour to South Africa.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, who has been a constant presence in the side across formats of late, is also expected to sit out of the New Zealand series to get a much-needed respite from the bio-bubble life. Wriddhiman Shah and KS Bharat will be the two wicket-keepers in the test squad.
As far as spin department is concerned Ravichandran Ashwin will spearhead the attack along with Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja (if he is not rested). Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be the three fast bowlers.
Shubman Gill is all set to make a comeback in test format along with Prithvi Shaw. In fact Shaw was part of the England test squad. He ald Suryakumar Yadav were flown into England after the white ball series in Sri Lanka.
Probable test team: Prithvi Shaw , Shubman Gill, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Wriddhiman Saha, KS Bharat, Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.