South Africa vs India: Shikhar Dhawan declared fit for the first Test

A couple of days prior to the commencement of the first Test of the South Africa vs India series, the visitors have received a major boost. Their leading opener Shikhar Dhawan has been declared fit and is now reportedly available for selection for the first Test. The first Test commences on January 5 and will be played at Cape Town.

Earlier, the reports had surfaced that Shikhar Dhawan will not be taking part in the first Test following an ankle injury. He had reportedly suffered the injury prior to the day the team left for South Africa. It was safely assumed that Murali Vijay and KL Rahul will be opening India’s batting in his absence.

However, in a recent press release issued by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the acting Secretary Amitabh Choudhary has confirmed that Shikhar Dhawan is fit again and will be available for selection in the first Test.

“India opener Shikhar Dhawan is fit and is available for selection for the first Test. Mr. Dhawan had suffered a minor ankle injury before the team’s departure to South Africa,” the official press release remarked.

Update on Ravindra Jadeja

Meanwhile, the press release also threw light on the fitness of left arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja has been one of the leading bowlers for the Indian team in the recent times. However, his participation in the first Test looked in dire straits following his viral illness. Commenting on his fitness, the press release mentioned that Jadeja is expected to undergo medical examinations.

He is expected to be fit in the next 48 hours. This, in essence, hints that he should be fit in time for the first Test. However, the release added that the call on Jadeja’s fitness and his participation will be taken on the day of the first Test.

“The BCCI Medical Team in consultation with the local medical team has decided that Mr. Jadeja will be taken to a hospital for treatment and expects him to fully recover in the next 48 hrs. A decision on his availability for selection for the opening Test against South Africa will be taken on the morning of the match i.e. 5th January 2018,” the press release noted.

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