Team India medical staff working overtime to get Navdeep Saini back on the field for the second innings

A freakish moment on day one of the first Test at Gabba had every Indian fan praying. At 93 for 3 in the 35th over of the Australian innings, the match was well in balance. Navdeep Saini ran in and bowled a delivery slightly short. Marnus Labuschagne edged it and the ball flew towards Ajinkya Rahane, the safest slip fielder in the world probably.

However, the Indian skipper dropped the catch as Labuschagne survived. He went on to make a century. Later after that delivery, Saini complained about his groin area. He walked off the field with the physio and didn’t return to the field after that. It has been a sight that has become quite familiar during this Australian tour. 

Navdeep Saini trying to get back for the second innings

All the Indian fans were waiting for an update on Saini on the second day’s play. But, he didn’t come out to bowl. However, now a fresh report suggests that the Delhi fast-bowler is working really hard with the medical team to get fit in time for the second innings.

If the Delhi fast bowler manages to be fit for the second innings, it will be a boost for the Indian team, considering that a five-bowler attack on the Gabba wicket will be extremely helpful for the Indians. Additionally, Saini has shown the ability to pick wickets and trouble the Aussie batters right from Sydney.

Rain wins the final session on day two at Gabba

On day one, BCCI had updated Saini’s fitness on Twitter. In the first update, it was revealed that the young pacer had complained about pain in the groin. While the second update mentioned that he has gone for scans and will be assessed by the medical team. 

According to the report on Indian Express, a close source of the team management has revealed that “The medical team is working on Saini. He has a groin injury, but they are trying their best to ensure that he can take the field in the second innings.”

India managed to bowl the hosts out for 369 in the first innings. At stump on day two, India was at 62 for 2, with Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara still at the crease. The final session of day two was abandoned due to rain.