ENG vs IND, 5th Test: Shami fit to play; Rohit, Pujara not yet 100%

The five-Test series between England and India has seen a fair competition between bat and ball. Both the nations have left no stone unturned and have matched each other blow for blow. The five-Test series currently stands at 1-2 with the Virat Kohli-led side in lead and with just one test match remaining in the series, it remains to be seen if visitors can script history and win the Test series in England for the first time since 2007.

Mohammad Shami declared fit for the fifth Test

The fifth and final Test of the series between England and India that will take place at Emirates Old Trafford is just one day away now. Some eyebrows were raised when senior Indian pacer Mohammad Shami missed the fourth Test match due to niggle.

In the latest development, it is learned that Mohammad Shami has been declared fully fit and joined the team’s training sessions ahead of the final match of the series. A senior BCCI official confirmed the development and said that the right-arm pacer is an automatic choice.

Shami is fit. And when Shami is fit, he is an automatic choice,” a senior BCCI official told PTI.

If the reports regarding Mohammad Shami being fit are to be believed, then there’s no brainer that the right-arm pacer will walk starlight into the Indian XI. But will all the pacers being in the red-hot form it will be interesting to see who will he replace in the playing XI for the final Test.

ENG vs IND: Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara still not 100% for the final Test at the Manchester

Tensions flared even more in the Indian contingent during the fourth Test match when senior Indian opener Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara didn’t take the field in the second innings of the last match due to injuries. While the former suffered a knee injury the latter twisted his ankle while taking a run in India’s second innings.

With the clock ticking for the start of the final Test match, it is also learned that the team’s medical team is still assessing the injuries of Rohit and Pujara and it is yet to be confirmed whether they have fully recovered or not. The decision them playing the last Test match will be taken after the medical team gives them a green signal.

If Rohit Sharma misses the last Test match, then Mayank Agarwal will be the first choice opener to be given chance. While if Pujara will not be fit for the match then, Hanuma Vihara can replace him or Suryakumar could well be in line for Test debut.

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