Akash Deep set for Test recall, Iyer may lead in last 2 ODIs if Gill starts early Test preparation

Fast bowler Akash Deep is set for a Test recall as the selectors prepare to pick three India squads for the upcoming New Zealand tour, which begins with the T20I series on October 22.
The 29-year-old Akash, who was out of action for seven months due to a lower back stress injury, made a successful comeback to domestic cricket in Irani Cup, picking up a match haul of 6 for 68 across two innings in which he sent down nearly 24 overs.

“The Indian team management had told Rest of India coaching staff that Akash Deep should be handled with care as he is due for national comeback for the New Zealand series,” a BCCI official privy to developments told.

“He is completely fit and bowling at an average speed of 138 to 140 kmph which is an indicator that all is well.” The selection committee is expected to be convened either on Tuesday or Wednesday. 

The four-man committee led by Pragyan Ojha will also pick the squads for the India A’s shadow tour of New Zealand where they would play three ‘unofficial Tests’ as part of the preparations for the two WTC games, starting November 19.

In between there are five ODI games as a big part of the tune-up to next year’s 50 over World Cup.

The T20 squad is least of worry for the selection committee as most of the members of the Asian Games winning squad and the ones playing the series against West Indies will be picked. The tricky selections will be the ODI squad and the Test squad with only four-day gap between the last ODI (November 15) and first Test (November 19, Wellington).     (PTI )