England vs India: Ajinkya Rahane returns to training ahead of the 1st Test

Along with Indian skipper Virat Kohli missing a practice match against Select County XI due to sore back, vice-captain of the Test team Ajinkya Rahane too missed the three-day match due to a hamstring niggle. But it seems the 33-year-old is showing signs of recovery as he resumed practice with his team members ahead of the team’s five-match Test series against England starting on August 4.

Rahane is one of the vital members of the team not only in the batting department but also with regards to leadership. He is rock solid and compact in his defense and also a very good player especially away from home, as his record speaks for himself.

The team management didn’t want to risk their star player aggravating the niggle further and, hence he was given an injection to reduce the pain and swelling, which he had during the practice game in Durham. But there is hope and optimism among the Indian team that the vice-captain will play in the first Test. According to Hindustan Times, Ajinkya Rahane had a proper net session, apart from the usual fielding and training sessions.

This augurs well for India as the 33-year-old is one of the most experienced in the batting department of the team along with Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara.

Suryakumar Yadav and Prithvi Shaw added to the India squad

With Shubman Gill, Avesh Khan, and Washington Sunder ruled out of the England series, the management has now roped in Suryakumar Yadav and Prithvi Shaw as the replacement players. Both the players are currently in Sri Lanka and there is no news on when they will reach England.

While if Rahane doesn’t play the first Test, it’s unlikely that the duo may get a look in since they will be reaching England later in the week. Add to that, they will have to undergo quarantine before again entering the bio-secure environment.

KL Rahul, in all likelihood, will replace the Indian vice-captain in the team if he misses out due to injury. Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj too might play the first Test as the management is keen on trying him in the seam and swing conditions in England.