Ishant Sharma not playing today’s third Test: India have not included the senior pacer for the third Test against South Africa.
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During the third Test of the ongoing South Africa’s tour of India in Ranchi, India have not included senior pacer Ishant Sharma in their Playing XI. The same only remains the only change for the hosts who have included debutant spinner Shahbaz Nadeem in the XI.
In the two Tests that Sharma played in the series, he dismissed as many batsmen at an average of 62.50, an economy rate of 3.28 and a strike rate of 114. Barring two below par matches, Sharma has been a constant face in India’s Test bowling lineup.
As far as the visitors are concerned, they have made as many as five changes coming on the back of losing both the Tests. Batsman Zubayr Hamza, uncapped wicket-keeper and spinner Heinrich Klaasen and George Linde, spinner Dane Piedt and fast bowler Lungi Ngidi will play the Ranchi Test.
Among the players sitting out are the injured duo of opening batsman Aiden Markram and spinner Keshav Maharaj, batsman Theunis de Bruyn, all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy and veteran pacer Vernon Philander.
Ishant Sharma not playing today’s third Test
The lone change was made public by India captain Virat Kohli after winning the toss and electing to bat for the third time in the series. “We’ll bat first. Looks like a good wicket. Will be hard upfront and then got slower. Like the typical Ranchi wicket. It’s a no-brainer to bat first on this one. I don’t think it’s gonna be slow but it will keep lower than Pune maybe,” Kohli was quoted as saying.
While Kohli didn’t particularly say anything about Sharma’s performance in these matches, India have both given him a break and given Umesh Yadav another opportunity in this match.
“Ishant [Sharma] has been given a break. Shahbaz Nadeem makes his debut. Two seamers for reversing the ball. Nadeem is the local boy and it’s a dream debut. I’m really happy for him,” Kohli added.
