Ravindra Jadeja set to play Ranji Trophy match to regain match fitness ahead of India vs Australia Tests

Mumbai: In a boost for India, star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is expected to make a comeback and play in Saurashtra’s final Ranji Trophy match, which begins on January 24, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.

The Ranji tie will be against Tamil Nadu in Chennai.

Jadeja had to leave Asia Cup last September to undergo surgery on his right knee. He is currently finishing up his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore, and the selectors have named him in the 17-man Test squad for the first half of the four-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which starts in Nagpur on February 9. The second Test of the series will be played in Delhi followed by the final two Tests in Dharamsala and Ahmedabad.

While the all-rounder has been named in the 17-member Test squad for the home series against Australia that begins next month, his inclusion is subject to his fitness ahead of the series.

The selectors clarified that Jadeja will be considered for selection only if the NCA certifies his fitness. Jadeja reportedly resumed batting and bowling earlier this week but has to clear fitness tests to be considered ready and available for competitive cricket.

A southpaw, who bats at No. 5 or No. 6 in the red-ball as well as limited-overs formats for India, provides balance to the middle order alongside R Ashwin, the country’s top spinner, especially in the absence of Rishabh Pant.

The series is a big one for both teams as they look to nail down a spot in the WTC final. The series begins in Nagpur on February 9 with Tests in Delhi, Dharamsala and Ahmedabad.

India defeated Australia 2-1 in what was one of the most exciting bilateral series ever played, with Jadeja’s 63 in their first innings and a match-high four-wicket haul helping India to victory in the final Test in Dharamsala.

India’s Test squad for the first two Tests against Australia: Rohit Sharma (Captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), R. Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat and Suryakumar Yadav.

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