In a strategic move to reinforce their pace attack, India has called up right-arm fast bowler Avesh Khan following their disheartening defeat to South Africa in the first Test.
The decision to bring in Khan comes after India suffered an innings and 32-run loss in a match that concluded within three days, on December 28.
The Men’s Selection Committee confirmed the inclusion of Khan in a release on Friday, outlining the team’s preparations for the second and final Test scheduled to take place in Cape Town from January 3 to 7.
The 27-year-old, currently representing India A, delivered a noteworthy performance in the ongoing tour match against South Africa A at Benoni, contributing to the host’s first-innings dismissal for 263.
Khan, boasting 149 wickets in 38 first-class games at an impressive average of 22.65, played a pivotal role in India’s recent ODI series triumph against South Africa, claiming six wickets.
He steps in as a replacement for Mohammed Shami, who was ruled out of the two Tests due to the lack of clearance from the BCCI medical team.
India’s defeat in the opening Test prompted captain Rohit Sharma to address the team’s bowling challenges, expressing disappointment in the support provided to pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
The captain stressed on the need for a collective effort from the bowling unit and acknowledged the lessons to be learned from South Africa’s performance.
“This was not a 400-run wicket, and we gave too many runs. We sprayed the ball all around, but it happened. One can’t depend on one particular bowler (Bumrah), the other three pacers also needed to perform their roles,” Rohit told the broadcasters after the match.
As India regroups for the second Test, all eyes are on Khan’s potential impact and the team’s collective effort to bounce back in the series.
