Shreyas Iyer complains of back and groin pain, likely to miss remainder of England Test series

Shreyas Iyer is likely to be ruled out of the last three Tests between India and England after complaining of back and groin pain. Reports suggest that Iyer has complained of back stiffness and pain in his groin when he plays forward defense. This put his participation in the remainder of the England series in serious doubt.

“Iyer has informed the Indian team management and the medical staff that his back gets stiff after playing more than 30 balls and he feels pain in his groin while playing forward defence. Post surgery, he is facing this issue for the first time so he has been advised to rest for a few weeks. He will head to NCA later," a source told The Indian Express. 

Sources suggest that Iyer will be heading to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore for further tests and this would keep him out of contention for a place in the India squad. However, there is a good chance of him getting fit in time for the Indian Premier League (IPL). Last year, Iyer missed the cash-rich league as he was recuperating from his back injury.

Who replaces Shreyas Iyer?

The Mumbai batter has not been in great nick in recent times in red-ball cricket. In his last eight innings in Test cricket, Iyer has scored just 145 runs at an average of 20.71. It would have been difficult for the right-handed batter to hold onto his place in the playing XI, with KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja being in line to return from their respective injuries ahead of the third Test. Now, with Iyer's injury, India's meeting regarding team selection for the third Test won't be as intense as it could have been.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the squad for the last three Tests on Friday, February 9. The five-match Test series is tantalisingly poised at 1-1 as of now, with the third Test scheduled to take place from February 15 in Rajkot.