A significant update before the India vs England Test series, Harshit Rana has been formally included in India’s team for the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds, which commences on June 20. The BCCI announced the inclusion of the rising pacer in a press release released on Tuesday (June 17).
Rana, who was earlier requested to stay back with the team in England as a precautionary cover, now becomes a part of the active squad for the opening game of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Harshit Rana Joins Fast-Bowling Contingent in Leeds
The 23-year-old Harshit Rana, who was in England, joined the remainder of the Indian team from London to Leeds on Tuesday. Although the BCCI did not name the players dealing with injuries, sources informed Cricbuzz that the cover is provided by Rana for players with minor fitness issues.
Rana has international experience as he played two Tests, five ODIs, and one T20I for India. He was a part of the India A team recently, where he played against the England Lions, and also appeared in an intra-squad match in Beckenham.
With his addition, India now has five specialist pace bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh, and pace-bowling all-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shardul Thakur besides them.
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India A Teammates Return Home, Rana Stays Back
Whereas the remainder of the India A side is said to be going back to India, Harshit Rana stays behind in England, bolstering India’s pace arsenal for the challenging five-match series. His capability to strike the deck hard and get bounce may prove to be the turning point on English surfaces.
Gautam Gambhir Returns to England Following Family Emergency
In a related update, India’s new head coach Gautam Gambhir is expected to rejoin the team soon. Gambhir had flown back to New Delhi due to a family emergency but has now left for London and is likely to link up with the squad in Leeds shortly.
Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy: India vs England Test Series Fixtures
The five-Test series between India and England, refurbished as the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, begins on Friday, June 20, at Headingley. The following Tests will be played at:
Edgbaston (July 2)
Lord’s (July 10)
Old Trafford, Manchester (July 23)
The Oval, London (July 31)
Harshit Rana’s Addition Boosts India’s Bowling Options
Harshit Rana‘s Test squad inclusion offers India a backup seam-bowling option, valuable under English conditions. With recent form and match fitness through India A performances, he is poised to make his mark if presented with the opportunity during the series. Get the latest from Leeds as India gears up for the highly anticipated series opener.
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