Australia vs India: Ishant Sharma likely to be fit in time for Adelaide Test

India pacer Ishant Sharma is not featuring in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). He was ruled out mid-way through the tournament due to a muscle tear and is currently at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru undergoing rehabilitation. His availability for the upcoming Australia tour is still in doubt but according to NCA head Rahul Dravid, Ishant is likely to be fit in time for the four-match Test series.

Team India players are expected to leave for Australia on November 11 or 12. Both the teams will face each other in three ODIs, three T20Is and four Test matches. Though the schedule hasn’t been made official yet, the ODI series is expected to start on November 26 while the shortest format matches will be played from December 4. The Test series is set to commence on December 17 in Adelaide which will also be played under lights.

Coming back to Ishant Sharma’s fitness, according to ESPNCricinfo, NCA noted in a letter to the BCCI that Ishant Sharma is expected to start bowling again from November 18 given that his rehab goes well. Once he starts bowling, the workload will be gradually increased even as he is expected to be fit for the opening Test against Australia.

NCA, however, has also cleared that the lanky pacer will have to play at least one practice match to prove he is match fit to lead India pace attack in Tests.

Selectors expected to pick India squad on Monday

Meanwhile, the selection panel led by Sunil Joshi is expected to pick India squad for all the three formats on Monday. At the same time, a final decision on Ishant Sharma will be taken as well. Even if they pick the fast bowler in the squad, the BCCI will have to decide whether he will travel with the whole squad or not. With COVID-19 restrictions in place, it will become tough for an outside person to enter into the bio-bubble later.

Team India will be delighted if Ishant Sharma gets fit in time for the Test series. He played a crucial role last time around when the team won the Test series for the first time ever on Australian soil.