India have received a welcome boost ahead of their upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand, with fast bowler Prasidh Krishna declared fit after recovering from a left hamstring injury.
The right-arm pacer, who was ruled out of the five-match One-Day International series against New Zealand, is now expected to be available for the Test series beginning November 19 in Wellington.
The development was confirmed on Tuesday, providing India with another pace-bowling option ahead of the red-ball contests.
“Prasidh Krishna has been declared fit and is set to be available for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand,” a BCCI source told PTI.
Krishna had been sidelined due to the hamstring problem, which prevented him from taking part in the ODI series scheduled to begin in Auckland on Wednesday.
However, his recovery has progressed sufficiently for him to be considered for the longer format, where his pace and ability to generate bounce could prove useful in New Zealand conditions.
Before returning to international action, Krishna is also expected to feature in the third unofficial four-day Test between India A and New Zealand A.
The match is scheduled to take place from November 7 to 10 at Lincoln and could provide the pacer with an important opportunity to regain match fitness and bowling rhythm following his injury layoff.
The India A fixture will also allow Krishna to spend valuable time on the field before the senior team’s Test assignments begin.
India’s two-match Test series against New Zealand will get underway in Wellington on November 19, with the opening encounter scheduled to continue until November 23.
The second and final Test will be played in Christchurch from November 27 to December 1.
Krishna’s availability comes as a positive development for India’s preparations, particularly with the team facing a demanding schedule that includes both white-ball and red-ball cricket.
Although he will miss the ODI leg of the tour, his expected participation in the Test series means India could have another specialist fast bowler available for selection.
The upcoming India A match will be an important step in his return, offering him a chance to test his readiness in competitive conditions.
With the Test series approaching, Krishna’s recovery provides India with additional bowling depth as the team prepares for the challenge of facing New Zealand away from home.
His return to full fitness will be encouraging news for the Indian camp as preparations for the Wellington Test gather pace.
