India vs New Zealand: Young pacer Mohammed Siraj has replaced Jasprit Bumrah for the third and final Test against New Zealand.
India will be without star bowler Jasprit Bumrah for the third and final Test against New Zealand, set to take place at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Bumrah, a key player in India’s bowling lineup, has been rested to manage his workload in preparation for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, starting on November 22 in Perth. Filling his spot will be young pacer Mohammed Siraj, who will aim to strengthen India’s pace attack as the team looks to close the series on a high.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed Bumrah’s absence, stating he is still recovering from a viral illness. “Mr. Jasprit Bumrah has not fully recovered from his viral illness. He was unavailable for selection for the third Test in Mumbai,” the BCCI tweeted.
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India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir acknowledged Bumrah’s importance but emphasized the need to keep him rested and fit for upcoming challenges. Although Bumrah joined Wednesday’s training session, he did not bowl and later returned to Ahmedabad to continue his recovery.
India’s lineup for the final Test will also feature Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been promising at the top of the order alongside captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja. New Zealand, meanwhile, confirmed that Tom Latham will lead a strong side, with Ish Sodhi replacing Mitchell Santner, who is sidelined due to a side strain, and Matt Henry coming in for Tim Southee.
New Zealand Squad: Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Ajaz Patel, William O’Rourke.
India Squad: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj.
