Australia vs India: Ishant Sharma bowled long spells, looking all set to recover before the Test series

Since the IPL 2020 began, Team India is suffering from injuries to its star players. Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Wriddhiman Saha, Ishant Sharma, all of these got injured during the tournament. As the Australian tour is right ahead, Ishant Sharma’s fitness is a major concern for the Indian team which has already reached Australia. However, they have finally received a good news as the lanky pacer has started bowling again.

Soon after he was ruled out of IPL, Ishant was directed to join NCA to work on his fitness. Notably, he is an integral member of the Test team and has represented India in 97 Tests so far. Ishant Sharma was ruled out of IPL as he suffered an abdominal muscle tear during practice sessions. He was not named in the Test squad but BCCI announced that once he is fit, he can be added to the team.

He is currently working under the guidance of Rahul Dravid, NCA Head. As per the report in ESPNCricinfo, the veteran pacer bowled long spells and is looking in excellent touch. He is regaining his fitness at the right time as the Test series starts on December 17 and despite mandatory quarantine, he has good 15 days to regain his fitness.

Ishant Sharma bowled for long hours in his full stride

The importance of Ishant Sharma is understood in this way that the chief selector Dilip Joshi and NCA Head both were present stadium to keep a check on his progress. He was bowling at one of the practice pitches during the innings break of a corporate game. He bowled for 45 minutes during the innings break and for an hour at the end of the game.

Apart from bowling at his full tilt, Ishant also did a short fielding session and ‘he is looking really good’. The pacer is known for bowling long spells and his record in Australia has always been impeccable. This will be his fifth Australian tour if he can make it. Also, as saliva’s usage has been banned by ICC, the significance of bowlers who can bowl for long hours has been increased as the conditions have become tougher for the bowlers.