Ishant Sharma was included to the Test squad for the upcoming New Zealand series but he needed to clear fitness test. As reported, he will appear for the same in Bangalore by February 15.
Ishant Sharma to appear for the fitness test
As the Indian team is getting prepared to take revenge of the ODI whitewash in the Test series against New Zealand, their fast bowler Ishant Sharma is getting ready for his fitness test. Sharma will appear for the same at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore according to a recent report. He suffered from a ligament injury on the right angle during his Ranji Trophy stint against Vidarbha on January 21. Although he was primarily named for the New Zealand tour, he could not fly with the Indian side to the Kiwi land.
The first Test of the two-match series will begin from February 21. If Sharma passes the fitness test, he can take the flight to New Zealand for the remaining Test series.
BCCI source on Ishant Sharma
An Indian team management source revealed the news to the TOI and said, “Ishant is scheduled to take a fitness test on Feb 14-15. A call on him will be taken after that.” He further explained how the test works. “There are two ways of determining fitness: one is clinical fitness and the other is match fitness. In the clinical test, the player is made to go through all the physical tests like running and agility.”
The source then opined that the result of the test depends a lot of the nature of the player. He believes that Ishant Sharma is determined to pass the test. “But match fitness depends on how rusty the player is. Ishant is working very hard and is determined to reach the 100-Test mark as soon as possible.”
The pacer has been one of the finest fast bowling options for Virat Kohli in the recent times. He has had a prolific Test career so far as he managed to take 292 wickets in 96 Test appearance. His career-best figure, seven wickets for 74 runs against England and his 10-wicket haul proves his credibility as a prime bowler.
