2nd Test: Ajinkya, Ishant, Jadeja ruled out due to injuries

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), in a press note, announced that Indian fast bowler Ishant Sharma, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and batter Ajinkya Rahane has been ruled out of the 2nd Test vs New Zealand in Mumbai due to respective injuries.

The BCCI said Ishant dislocated his left little finger during the final day of the 1st Test match in Kanpur. “He is thus ruled out of the 2nd Test in Mumbai. The BCCI Medical team will continue to monitor his progress,” the press note said.

“All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja suffered a right forearm injury during the 1st Test match in Kanpur. After undergoing scans, he was diagnosed with a swelling on his forearm. He has been advised rest and is thus ruled out of the 2nd Test in Mumbai.

“Ajinkya Rahane sustained a minor left hamstring strain while fielding on the final day of the 1st Test match in Kanpur. Since he has not recovered completely, he has been ruled out of the 2nd Test in Mumbai. His progress will be closely monitored by the BCCI Medical team,” the release added.

Toss delayed

The start of the second and final Test between India and New Zealand on Friday was delayed due to heavy overnight rain that has caused wet outfield. The first pitch inspection took place at 9.30AM and they will have another one at 10:30am before the toss takes place.

The rain has stopped but the umpires said the 30-yard circle and the bowlers’ run-ups were the main issues.

The first Test between the two sides had ended in a draw in Kanpur.

Pitch report

“There’s a bit of moisture usually, but this might hold because it’s been under the covers. This will certainly spin, because I can see cracks and these will open up with the sun out. Because of the moisture on Day 1, there will be seam, so if you bat first you have to bat well, but you don’t want to bat last. This might be a good toss to lose,” Ajit Agarkar and Deep Dasgupta said in their pitch report.