In a significant development, Bharat fast bowler Avesh Khan has been included in the Team Bharat squad for the upcoming second and final Test against South Africa. This decision comes as a replacement for the injured Mohammed Shami, who has been ruled out of the series due to an injury. The first Test in Centurion saw Bharat face a challenging innings-and-32-run defeat, prompting strategic changes for the upcoming crucial match.
In the initial Test, Bharat’s batting order struggled, with the team folding for 131 runs on Day 3. Notably, skipper Virat Kohli contributed significantly with 76 runs, but the rest of the lineup faced challenges. The bowling performance was also subpar, with only Jasprit Bumrah making a significant impact by taking four wickets. Debutant Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur faced challenges, leading to the decision to introduce an additional pacer in Avesh Khan for the second Test.
Avesh Khan, although yet to make a Test appearance, showcased his prowess in the recently concluded ODI series against South Africa, where he secured six wickets in three matches. His notable performance includes figures of 4/27 in the opening ODI, playing a crucial role in restricting the Proteas to a mere 116 runs.
Despite being a newcomer in Test cricket, Avesh Khan brings valuable experience from 8 ODIs and 19 T20Is. The 27-year-old has an impressive first-class record with Madhya Pradesh, boasting 149 wickets at an average of 22.65 in 38 matches. His last first-class appearance was during the Deodhar Trophy in July earlier this year, representing the Central Zone.
With South Africa being the ‘final frontier’ where India is yet to secure a Test series win, the inclusion of Avesh Khan reflects the team’s determination to level the series. The visitors aim to avoid consecutive defeats and strive for a draw, which would be a significant accomplishment in South Africa, where the last series draw occurred in 2011/12. The upcoming Test presents a crucial opportunity for Avesh Khan to make his mark and contribute to India’s quest for success in the challenging conditions of South Africa.
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