Both Avesh Khan and Washington Sundar were named in the playing 11 of County Select XI during their warm up match on Tuesday
Having been clobbered by New Zealand in the final of the World Test Championship, India knew things were not going to get any easier come the test series against England. And in a bid to acquire much needed practice prior ahead of the testing series, the BCCI requested the ECB to organise warm up matches.
The BCCI’s request was heeded to with India taking on County Select XI at Durham in a three day warm up encounter starting Tuesday. For the visiting team, it was a golden opportunity to acclimatise itself with the English conditions and settle into the quick bowlers friendly pitches.
Ahead of the marquee encounter, surprising news broke of Virat Kohli not stepping out for the Indian team. The side which was also devoid of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ajinkya Rahane and Ishant Sharma, included the likes of Shardul Thakur and Umesh Yadav and was led by Rohit Sharma.
India vs County Select XI: Why Are Avesh Khan And Washington Sundar Playing For County Select XI
However, more surprising than the omission of pivotal Indian names was the inclusion of Avesh Khan and Washington Sundar in County Select XI’s playing 11. Avesh Khan sending down spells for the home side at Durham left Indian supporters flabbergasted with many questioning how this was allowed.
Avesh Khan, Washington Sundar play against India in three-day match pic.twitter.com/LA54iQ4sb0
— Cricket Clue (@cricketcluein) July 20, 2021
However, with this being a county side and the match only classified as a warm up encounter, players are allowed to represent any team they like. While it was intriguing to see Avesh send down deliveries to his own counterparts, its something well within the laws of the game.
India meanwhile found themselves in a spot of bother after they lost three wickets early on. KL Rahul and Hanuma Vihari were out in the middle as the two aspired to stabilise the Indian innings with the visitors at 83-3.
The match is being telecasted on Durham’s YouTube channel and can be viewed on free there.
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