Ishant ruled out with chikungunya

Blow For Kiwis Too As Freak Injury Sidelines Jimmy Neesham

Fast bowler Ishant Sharma will not be seen in action in India's 500th Test here since he is down with chikungunya. India coach Anil Kumble told reporters here that Ishant's progress was being “closely monitored“, although no replacements have been named. India will have 14 players for the Test.

This is India's first illness-related casualty in the series. Two New Zealand players -bowler Tim Southee and all-rounder Jimmy Neesham -are already out of the touring sides with injuries. Southee, who strained his ligament during practice, has returned home while Neesham has a rib injury and will miss Sharma's illness means India will have three medium-pacers -Mohammad Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Umesh Yadav -to only two are likely to be picked.Shami seems to be the first choice and it will be a toss-up between Bhuvneshwar and Umesh for the second.

Bhuvneshwar has played a lot of Ranji Trophy matches for UP here on this ground and may get the nod ahead of Yadav. If that happens, he will become the third Uttar Pradesh cricketer to play a Test match at the Green Park stadium after Gopal Sharma and Piyush Chawla.

Neesham, meanwhile, has been sidelined after being hit in the ribs by a ball while batting in the nets.Neesham -who was recalled for the tour after suffering back pain while bowling last year -will be available for the second Test, according to coach Mike Hesson.

“It will take a few days for the bruising to go away, but it's very much a short-term injury,“ Hesson said. “Jimmy won't be available for selection in Kanpur, but we expect him to be back to full fitness ahead

(TOI)