Shami fails fitness test; Navdeep Saini called up

India will play the one-off test against Afghanistan from June 14.

Chinnaswamy Stadium is set to host the historic test match between India and Afghanistan from June 14. Afghanistan are on the back of terrific form, as they swept Bangladesh 3-0 in the T20I series. However, it will be interesting to see how Afghanistan adapts to the longest form of the game.

Team India returns to international cricket after almost three months. India last played a test match against South Africa in January.

India’s test squad for the match was announced long ago, and the test team captain Virat Kohli was rested. Rohit Sharma was not included in the squad, and Shardul Thakur was a surprise selection in the side.

Wriddhiman Saha was later ruled out with injury and replaced by Dinesh Karthik, who will play his first test match since 2010. In Kohli’s absence, Ajinkya Rahane will lead the side.

However, the Indian team received a setback today when the BCCI announced that fast bowler Mohammad Shami has failed a fitness test and will not be a part of the test. Navdeep Saini has replaced Shami for the match.

This comes as a blow to the Indian team, as the side begins their tour to England next month. Mohammad Shami’s ability with swinging the ball makes him an important bowler for the team, and his absence may prove costly to the side.

The fitness test was conducted at NCA, Bengaluru.

India A’s batsman Sanju Samson also failed his fitness test, and will be replaced by Ishan Kishan. The A team is scheduled to play in England and West Indies.