IND vs ENG: Umesh Yadav clears fitness test, added to Team India squad for last two Tests against England

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday announced the addition of Umesh Yadav to India's Test squad for the last 2 Tests of the ongoing 4-match series against England at home. Umesh Yadav who picked up a calf injury in Australia cleared a fitness test at Motera in Ahmedabad before he was named in the 18-man squad.

Umesh Yadav missed India's historic win in the 4th Test at the Gabba after he picked up a calf injury during the 3rd Test in Sydney. He was ruled out of the first 2 Tests in Chennai but the pacer has recovered in time for the much-anticipated pink-ball Test, starting February 24.

"Team India fast bowler Umesh Yadav appeared for a fitness test on Sunday, 21st February at Motera. He has cleared his fitness test and has been added to the squad for the last two Tests of the ongoing Paytm India-England Test series," the BCCI said in a release.

Meanwhile, the BCCI said Shardul Thakur was released from the India squad and has been



allowed to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy 50-overs domestic tournament for Mumbai.

Umesh Yadav's addition to the squad in the lead-up to the pink-ball Test against England is a big boost, considering India now have the option of fielding 3 experienced pacers in Umesh, Jasprit Bumrah and Ishant Sharma. India are missing Mohammed Shami who fractured his elbow after taking a blow during the first Test of a 4-match series in Australia last year.

India are also without left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja who has been ruled out of the entire series against England due to a thumb injury he picked up in the Sydney Test.

India squad for 3rd and 4th Tests vs England: Virat Kohli (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper), R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Md. Siraj, Umesh Yadav.