Fast bowler Akash Deep is set for a Test recall as the selectors prepare to pick three India squads for the upcoming New Zealand tour, which begins with the T20I series on October 22. The 29-year-old Akash, who was out of action for seven months due to a lower back stress injury, made a successful comeback to domestic cricket in Irani Cup, picking up a match haul of 6 for 68 across two innings in which he sent down nearly 24 overs.
“The Indian team management had told Rest of India coaching staff that Akash Deep should be handled with care as he is due for national comeback for the New Zealand series,” a BCCI official privy to developments told PTI.
Fast bowler Akash Deep is set for a Test recall as the selectors prepare to pick three India squads for the upcoming New Zealand tour, which begins with the T20I series on October 22.
In between there are five ODI games as a big part of the tune-up to next year’s 50 over World Cup. The tricky selections will be the ODI squad and the Test squad with only four-day gap between the last ODI (November 15 in Tauranga) and first Test (November 19, Wellington). With one day assigned for travel, the Indian team will have roughly three days of practice before the Tests and there are at least 7-8 players who will play both formats. The Test squad could be 16 or 17 members as there is a chance to accommodate an extra fast bowler.
The T20 squad is least of worry for the selection committee as most of the members of the Asian Games winning squad and the ones playing the series against West Indies will be picked. In case Gill decides to prepare for Tests, then vice-captain Shreyas Iyer will shoulder the responsibility to captain the side. A big squad means that the team will have ready replacements, if required, considering it is not easy to fly down replacements to New Zealand.
