ENG v IND 2022: Mayank Agarwal called up for Edgbaston Test as standby for COVID-hit Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma’s diagnosis has put the visitors in a spot of bother.

Opener Mayank Agarwal has been called up to join the Indian squad in UK as cover for skipper Rohit Sharma, who is doubtful to take part in the rescheduled fifth Test against England at Edgbaston after testing positive for COVID-19.

With the one-off Test slated to begin on July 1, Rohit’s diagnosis has put the visitors in a spot of bother. They are still waiting on his status as the captain is currently serving quarantine.

There is no clarity on who will be the captain if Rohit misses out, but a Cricbuzz report suggests that the call will be taken only closer to the game with his status being monitored.

Since KL Rahul got injured just ahead of the South Africa series, Team India have very limited options for the opening slots in England. In fact, Shubman Gill is currently the only fit opening batter in the squad.

As a result, Mayank received a call up with the possibility that he could be available immediately since there is no quarantine protocol for the tourists in England currently.

Taking to Instagram, Mayank Agarwal on Monday (June 27) shared a story, informing that he has boarded the flight for Birmingham.

Agarwal has featured in 21 Tests so far, scoring 1488 runs at an average of 41.33. His last Test appearance was against Sri Lanka in March at home.