Ishant Sharma likely to miss 2nd Test vs New Zealand

Christchurch: Indian pacer Ishant Sharma is set to miss the second and final Test against New Zealand beginning Saturday, after a recurrence of his right ankle injury, which he sustained during a Ranji Trophy game in January.

According to a report in Cricbuzz, Ishant is likely to be replaced by Umesh Yadav in the playing XI at the Hagley Oval.

The veteran seamer was present in the nets and did bowl for a while on Thursday. However on Friday, he was absent from training after informing the team management of pain in the same ankle, where he suffered tear during Delhi’s Ranji Trophy game against Vidarbha.

Ishant’s absence will be a massive blow for the Indian team, who are looking to level the series after suffering a heavy defeat at the Basin Reserve.

Ishant had recently returned to action after a month-long injury lay-off, owing to the ankle injury he’d suffered in January.

He was also by far the best of the Indian bowlers in Wellington, finishing with figures of 5 for 68 in New Zealand’s first innings. (UNI)