Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant likely to play third unofficial Test vs New Zealand A

Jasprit Bumrah is likely to feature in the third unofficial Test against New Zealand A, while Rishabh Pant is also in contention as he works his way back from a side strain.

In Short

• Both players are training at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru
• India face New Zealand in two Tests from November 19 to December 1
• Pant has resumed batting drills but has yet to restart wicketkeeping practice

India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is likely to feature in the third unofficial Test against New Zealand A, while wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is also in contention for a return to action ahead of India's upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand.

The four-day match is scheduled to begin on November 7 in Lincoln and could provide both players with valuable match practice before the senior team's red-ball assignment. According to a report in Cricinfo, Bumrah and Pant are currently training at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru as they prepare for the tour.

Bumrah arrived at the facility on Monday, while Pant reported on Friday. The pacer's visit is part of the mandatory return-to-play protocols that players must complete before joining the national team for a series, according to the report.

Bumrah last featured for India during the Asian Games in Japan earlier this month, where the team won the gold medal. He was subsequently rested for India's home white-ball series against the West Indies and the ongoing T20I and ODI matches against New Zealand.

PANT’S FITNESS REMAINS KEY

Pant, meanwhile, is working his way back after suffering a side strain while leading Rest of India against Jammu and Kashmir in the Irani Cup in early October. The injury forced him to miss Delhi's Ranji Trophy opener and the first two four-day matches against New Zealand A.

The left-handed batter has resumed light training at the CoE, including batting drills, but has yet to restart wicketkeeping practice. His participation in the third unofficial Test will depend on fitness clearance from the BCCI medical staff.

Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra was drafted into the India A setup for the first two matches in Pant's absence. Kushagra was also named as cover for Ishan Kishan after the latter sustained a right adductor strain during the ongoing T20I series.

Both Bumrah and Pant are part of India's squad for the two-Test series against New Zealand. The opening Test is scheduled in Wellington from November 19 to 23, followed by the second match in Christchurch from November 27 to December 1.

The third India A fixture could therefore offer the pair an opportunity to build match rhythm before the Test series, although Pant's return remains subject to medical clearance.

- Ends