India opener Shikhar Dhawan has been declared fit and available for the first Test against South Africa starting on Friday at the Newlands in Cape Town. However, Ravindra Jadeja’s availability for the Test has been thrown into question with the all-rounder down with a viral flu for the past two days.
Dhawan had initially been ruled out of the first Test due at an injury but his return to fitness presents a conundrum for Virat Kohli and the Indian team management with three fit and in-form openers to choose from.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed Dhawan’s return and Jadeja’s illness through a press release on Wednesday.
“India opener Shikhar Dhawan is fit and is available for selection for the first Test. Dhawan had suffered a minor ankle injury before the team’s departure to South Africa,” the release said.
Dhawan’s return poses a selection headache for Virat Kohli.
“Jadeja has been suffering from viral illness for the past two days. The BCCI Medical Team has been monitoring him and is also in touch with the local medical team in Cape Town.
“The BCCI Medical Team in consultation with the local medical team has decided that Jadeja will be taken to a hospital for treatment and expects him to fully recover in the next 48 hrs. A decision on his availability for selection for the opening Test against South Africa will be taken on the morning of the match i.e. 5th January 2018,” it added.
Kohli is expected to play only one specialist spinner in the playing XI on South African conditions. Hence, Ravichandran Ashwin is expected to operate as India’s lone-spinner if Jadeja is ruled out on Friday.
India play three Tests, six ODIs and three T20Is in a long and gruelling tour of the African nation to kick-start their 2018.