The third unofficial Test is scheduled to be played in Lincoln from November 7 to 10.
Ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah is likely to represent India A in the third unofficial Test against New Zealand A, scheduled to be played in Lincoln from November 7 to 10. He is likely to be joined by Rishabh Pant for this fixture but the wicketkeeper-batter’s participation is subject to a final medical clearance.
The inclusion of the two key players serves as an important preparation step ahead of India's senior two-match Test series against New Zealand starting later in November.
According to a report published by Cricinfo, both players are currently stationed at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.
Bumrah, who last featured in competitive action during the Asian Games earlier this month, is visiting the CoE to fulfill mandatory return-to-play protocols. He is slated to fly to New Zealand on November 1 to ramp up his bowling workload, the report further stated.
On the other hand, Pant is recovering from a left-side strain sustained while captaining the Rest of India in the Irani Cup, which had previously ruled him out of the first two unofficial Tests.
While the southpaw has reportedly begun light batting drills at the CoE, he hasn’t resumed keeping yet. His final selection in the India A XI remains subject to a formal fitness clearance from the BCCI medical staff.
Earlier, the BCCI men’s selection committee had named Kumar Kushagra as Pant’s replacement for the first two unofficial Test matches.
Other senior squad members, including Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, are also expected to feature in the third India A fixture to get adequate red-ball match practice before the first Test begins in Wellington on November 19.
(With Cricinfo Inputs)