Avesh Khan Added to India’s Squad for 2nd Test Against South Africa
Avesh Khan, a Madhya Pradesh fast bowler who made his ODI and T20I debuts last year, has been named to India’s Test team for the second match against South Africa, which begins on January 3 in Cape Town.
Shami was named to the inaugural tour squad, subject to a fitness clearance. However, the BCCI medical experts did not agree, and he was later ruled out of the series.
The replacement was named by the BCCI following the first Test at Centurion, which India lost by an innings. Avesh took six wickets in three one-day internationals in South Africa earlier this month. Avesh has 149 wickets in 38 first-class matches, including seven five-wicket hauls.
In a bid to strengthen their pace attack, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the inclusion of right-arm fast bowler Avesh Khan in the Indian squad for the second Test against South Africa. Khan will be replacing the injured Mohammed Shami, who was ruled out of the series due to an ankle injury. This decision comes after India suffered a crushing defeat in the first Test, where their bowlers struggled to make an impact.
Avesh Khan’s Impressive Performance for India A
Avesh Khan, a 27-year-old right-arm fast bowler, was initially part of the India A squad for the South African tour. However, his exceptional performance in the ongoing 2nd unofficial Test between South Africa A and India A caught the attention of the selectors. Khan claimed a five-wicket haul in the first innings, helping India A wrap up South Africa A for 263. This outstanding performance made him a strong contender for a spot in the senior squad.
Mohammed Shami’s Unavailability and the Need for Replacement
Mohammed Shami, an experienced pacer, was included in the initial Test squad but was unable to recover from his ankle injury in time for the series. The BCCI’s medical team did not clear him, leading to his exclusion from the first Test. With Shami still unavailable, the Indian team needed a replacement to strengthen their bowling attack.
Avesh Khan’s First-Class Record
Avesh Khan has an impressive record in first-class cricket, having picked up 149 wickets in 38 games at an average of 22.65. Representing Madhya Pradesh, Khan showcased his talent during the 2018-19 season, where he emerged as the leading wicket-taker with 35 wickets in just seven matches. His consistent performances and ability to trouble batsmen with his pace and accuracy made him a deserving candidate for a place in the Indian squad.
India’s Bowling Struggles in the First Test
India’s bowling unit struggled to make an impact in the first Test against South Africa. Apart from Jasprit Bumrah, who bowled well and troubled the Proteas batsmen, the other bowlers failed to provide adequate support. The absence of Shami was felt as the Indian pace attack lacked the necessary depth and variety to trouble the opposition.
India captain Rohit Sharma expressed his disappointment in the post-match press conference, highlighting the need for the other pacers to step up and support Bumrah. Sharma emphasized the importance of a collective effort from the bowling unit and drew inspiration from South Africa’s disciplined bowling performance.
Avesh Khan’s Opportunity to Make an Impact
With his inclusion in the squad, Avesh Khan now has the opportunity to showcase his skills and make a significant impact in the second Test. His ability to generate pace and extract movement from the pitch can prove to be crucial for India’s chances of bouncing back in the series. Khan’s recent form and impressive performance in the India A tour match against South Africa A make him a promising addition to the team.
India’s Squad for the Second Test
India’s squad for the second Test against South Africa comprises the following players:
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Shubman Gill
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (wk)
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Shardul Thakur
- Mohd. Siraj
- Mukesh Kumar
- Jasprit Bumrah (VC)
- Prasidh Krishna
- KS Bharat (wk)
- Abhimanyu Easwaran
- Avesh Khan
Conclusion
The inclusion of Avesh Khan in India’s squad for the second Test against South Africa brings a fresh dimension to their bowling attack. With his impressive performances in first-class cricket and the ongoing India A tour, Khan has earned his place in the senior squad. India will be hoping that Khan’s addition will provide the necessary support to Jasprit Bumrah and help the team bounce back in the series. As the second Test gets underway in Cape Town, all eyes will be on Avesh Khan as he looks to make a mark in international cricket.
