Kulkarni replaces Bhuvi in India Test squad
India have been forced to replace fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar in their Test squad in Australia, after his ankle injury was deemed more serious than initially thought.
They have called Dhawal Kulkarni to the side for the second Test, and possibly the third as well. Kumar had been ruled out for the first two games, but will now go back to India to recover.
If he heals up in time, he will be flown back to Australia for the fourth match, though reports suggest the team doctors are not keen to risk him ahead of the tri-series Down Under, and then the World Cup.
A BCCI statement read: "Dhawal Kulkarni will join the Indian team for the ongoing Test series against Australia as a replacement for Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has an ankle injury and will return to India to undergo a rehabilitation program.
"Bhuvneshwar Kumar will rejoin the Indian team for the Test series in Australia, as soon as he recovers and is declared fit."
Kulkarni has never played a Test for India and has only four ODI caps, but has a string of wickets to his name in recent matches, including a four-fer against Sri Lanka in their recent ODI series.
Latest
-
NewsJoe Root shares victory call with fan who waited 10 months for team to arrive
England’s Test captain spoke with Rob Lewis, who has been in Sri Lanka since March, from a distance.
-
News5 of the best England wins on the sub-continent
Joe Root’s side were convincing winners in the first Test in Sri Lanka.
-
NewsSarah Taylor: Cricket had to fade away but I’m happy
Taylor has not played the game since retiring from England duty in September 2019.
-
NewsMickey Arthur takes hope from Sri Lanka fight after ‘unacceptable’ first innings
Sri Lanka posted 359 in the second innings to take the edge of defeat by England.
-
NewsJoe Root looks ahead after England seal Galle success
Jonny Bairstow and Dan Lawrence calmed the nerves to secure a seven-wicket win in Sri Lanka.
-
NewsEngland claims seven-wicket win in Sri Lanka
The fourth-wicket pair calmly collected the remaining runs.
-
NewsJack Leach weary but happy after long wait for England return in Sri Lanka
The left-arm spinner claimed five for 122 as the tourists closed in on victory in the first Test.
-
NewsSri Lanka v England Day 4: Frantic finale ahead as England chase down slim target
Jos Buttler’s stumping was a crucial moment.
-
NewsEngland wobble in pursuit of 74 to win first Test against Sri Lanka
Dom Sibley, Zak Crawley and Joe Root fell in quick succession early on.
-
NewsEngland chasing 74 to win first Test against Sri Lanka
Jack Leach’s five wickets ended the home side’s resistance.