IND vs ENG: Shreyas Iyer survives injury scare during net practice in Hyderabad

The highly-anticipated first Test between India and England at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad is slated to begin on January 25. Ahead of the series opening clash, both the teams have arrived at the venue, and have geared up for their preparations in full swing. The Indian contingent engaged in an afternoon practice session at the venue's net training facility, and seemed to have received a major blow.

The blow was in the form of middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer, who was seen struggling to smash the nets after a ball hit the batter on his right forearm during the practice session. Getting affected by the blow, Iyer tried to do his batting drills, but was seen in discomfort while trying to continue his rehearsal ahead of the all-important Test match against the Three Lions.

Iyer's injury scare might have handed a panic attack to the team management, as the Rohit Sharma-led side is already short of the core of their middle-order, i.e., star batter Virat Kohli for the games until the third one in Rajkot. The scare, however, was short-lived, as Iyer returned to the nets after getting some treatment from the physios in the form of ice-packs and resumed from where he left off.

India to have a specialist keeper, says coach Rahul Dravid

The Mumbai batter is currently an important asset to India's batting unit during Kohli's absence. Due to this, head coach Rahul Dravid also confirmed that KL Rahul, who kept the wickets during the South Africa Tests, will be playing only as a specialist batter, which may open the gates for KS Bharat, who is coming on the back of a brilliant knock against England Lions during a tour game at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Meanwhile, there are concerns for the no. 4 spot due to Kohli's unavailability, which may also give a promotion in batting order to Rahul, who may be followed by Iyer, Bharat, and the lower-order later.

The visiting England side is also unaware of skipper Ben Stokes' match-readiness, according to a recent statement made by head coach Brendon McCullum. However, McCullum added that Stokes had proven his fitness, and the management isn't in any hurry at all to announce his availability for the opening game starting Thursday. Thus, a late call regarding the English captain's inclusion is expected ahead of the contest in Uppal.