IND vs SA 2nd Test: Avesh Khan Replaces Mohammad Shami After India's Thumping Defeat In Series Opener

Avesh Khan's addition will be an interesting factor as India seeks to avoid series defeat.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed the addition of Avesh Khan to Team India's squad for the second and final Test against South Africa, scheduled to commence from January 3, 2024, at Newlands in Cape Town. Avesh Khan steps in as a replacement for the injured Mohammed Shami, who was ruled out of the series due to an injury as per a PTI report. 

India, trailing 0-1 in the series after a disappointing loss in the opening Test at Centurion, witnessed a subpar performance from both the batting and bowling departments. The team struggled, folding for 131 runs in their innings, with Virat Kohli contributing a significant 76 runs. Bowling-wise, barring Jasprit Bumrah, who claimed four wickets, the Indian bowling unit struggled to make an impact despite favourable conditions. Debutant Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur faced challenges, with the former conceding 93 runs and the latter going for 101 runs.

Though Avesh Khan hasn't featured in Test cricket for India yet, his recent success in the ODI series against South Africa, where he picked up six wickets in three matches, stands out. His standout performance of 4/27 in the opening ODI played a crucial role in limiting South Africa to a mere 116 runs. While Avesh has an impressive track record in domestic cricket with Madhya Pradesh, having taken 149 wickets in 38 first-class matches at an average of 22.65, he remains determined to earn his Test cap. His most recent first-class appearance was during the Deodhar Trophy in July this year.

India's aim to secure a Test series victory in South Africa, the only Test-playing country where they haven't yet clinched a series win, continues. Despite this, Rohit Sharma's squad would intend to prevent further defeats and potentially secure a draw. The upcoming second Test is set to commence at Cape Town's Newlands Stadium on January 3 (Wednesday), 2024.

India’s squad for the 2nd Test includes players like 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, and Avesh Khan.