Indian Test stalwart R Ashwin reportedly missed the flight to England after testing positive for COVID-19, according to sources who told PTI. The seasoned spinner is currently in quarantine and will only join the
Indian contingent after meeting all the required protocols. The Indian team had left for the UK on June 16.
"Ashwin hasn't travelled with the squad to the UK as he has tested positive for Covid-19 before departure," a BCCI source told PTI. "But we are hopeful that he will recover well in time before the Test match starts on July 1. However, he might miss the practice game against Leicestershire."
Although the off-spinner's departure has been delayed, the rest of the Test squad has already started training under the supervision of bowling coach Paras Mhambrey and batting coach Vikram Rathour.
The BCCI had earlier shared clips of skipper Rohit Sharma and opener Shubman Gill practicing in the nets. The pair is likely to open the innings for India in the Test, in the practice game against Leicestershire. The Indian team will play Leicestershire in a four-day warm-up match from June 24. It will also be the first time that Rohit will be leading the team in Test cricket overseas.
The duo of Rohit and KL Rahul played a pivotal role in securing India a 2-1 lead in the Test series in England. Rohit was rested for the South Africa T20Is, while Rahul will miss the tour because of a groin injury. This might pave the way for the inclusion of young Gill to open for India.
In four Tests, Rohit had amassed 368 runs, including a hundred and two fifties, while Rahul has scored 315 runs, with a hundred and a fifty to his name. India's tour of England also consists of three T20Is and as many ODIs, and the visitors will play two warm-up matches against Derbyshire and Northamptonshire before the white-ball series.
Head coach Rahul Dravid, stand-in skipper for the South Africa series Rishabh Pant and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Shreyas Iyer have also reached London after finishing the T20I home assignment against South Africa. They will travel to Leicester on Tuesday.
