India’s hopes for redemption in the second Test against South Africa received a boost with the official announcement of Avesh Khan’s inclusion in the squad. Khan replaces the veteran Mohammed Shami, sidelined by an injury, as India looks to bounce back from a crushing defeat in Centurion. The first Test was a stark display of South African dominance.
While KL Rahul’s valiant century offered a flicker of hope with India reaching 245 in the first innings, Dean Elgar’s mammoth 185 propelled the Proteas to a commanding 408. India’s bowling attack faltered, with only Jasprit Bumrah posing any real threat. Shami’s absence loomed large, with former coach Ravi Shastri lamenting the loss of his experience.
Avesh Khan, however, has seized his opportunity with an impressive performance in the ongoing 2nd unofficial Test between South Africa A and India A. His five-wicket haul for 54 in the first innings played a crucial role in restricting South Africa A to 263.
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Khan, a rising star with 38 first-class games under his belt, boasts 149 wickets for Madhya Pradesh. He was the leading wicket-taker in the 2018-19 season, claiming a staggering 35 wickets in just seven matches. His pace and swing bowling offer India a much-needed option in the absence of Shami.
🚨 NEWS 🚨
Avesh Khan added to India’s squad for 2nd Test.
Details 🔽 #TeamIndia | #SAvINDhttps://t.co/EsNGJAo8Vl
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 29, 2023
Beyond Shami, Ravindra Jadeja’s back spasm added to India’s woes in Centurion. Shardul Thakur’s inclusion as his replacement proved underwhelming, with his costly bowling (101 runs) and lack of batting impact failing to provide the necessary support. Avesh Khan’s arrival presents a fresh hope for India. His talent and recent form offer a much-needed injection of energy into a bowling attack seeking redemption.
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With the series level at 0-1, the second Test in Cape Town promises to be a thrilling encounter. Can Avesh Khan fill the void left by Shami and help India level the series? All eyes will be on the young pacer as he steps onto the field, determined to prove his worth and help India rewrite the narrative of the South Africa tour.
India’s squad for 2nd Test: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Prasidh Krishna, KS Bharat (wk), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Avesh Khan
