Xtra Time Web Desk: Team India ace middle order batter Shreyas Iyer is very unlikely not be available for the second test against Australia which starts from February 16 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Iyer is still recovering from the lower back injury and is undergoing rehab at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
The selectors and the Team Management will not risk rushing Iyer for an early return. Iyer, who scored the most runs for India in Tests in 2022, has always been a guaranteed starter for Team India at No. 5. His back issue and Rishabh Pant’s accident, though, compelled the team management to reconsider their approach.
Meanwhile Jasprit Bumrah is almost certain to miss the test series against Australia. The ace pacer will not recover from the stress fracture ahead of the third and fourth test.
The Indian team management is unlikely to risk playing Bumrah in the three ODIs against Australia as well which follows after the conclusion of the four-match Test series.
Bumrah will be needed for the potential World Test Championship final at the Oval in London from June 7-11 and also for World Cup in October-November.
The premier fast bowler can return to action for Mumbai Indians’ during IPL 2023 where his workload will be monitored.