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Bhuvneshwar Kumar joins Indian squad for final three Tests against England

by Sandeep Shivam Tuesday 22 November 2016

Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked a five-wicket haul in his last Test for India

©REUTERS / Action Images

Indian seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been added to the squad for the remaining three Tests against England after successfully recovering from a back strain.

Kumar, last played in the second Test against New Zealand in Kolkata where he picked a five-wicket haul in the first innings. It was also during the game, Kumar picked a back strain and upon recovery he was forced to prove his fitness in the domestic circuit.

The 26-year-old turned out for his Ranji Trophy team Uttar Pradesh in the clash against Mumbai and picked two wickets in the game.

Kumar joins the squad at the expense of Gautam Gambhir, who has been released to play for his state team Delhi.

Meanwhile, Shikhar Dhawan, who has returned to his state team Delhi following a recovery from a finger injury has not been considered for selection leaving Lokesh Rahul and Murali Vijay as the only specialist openers in the squad.

The remaining three Tests will be played in Mohali, Mumbai and Chennai between 26th November and 20th December with India having a lead of 1-0 in the series.

India squad for final three Tests:

Virat Kohli (captain), Ajinkya Rahane, KL Rahul, M Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara, Karun Nair, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, Amit Mishra, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Hardik Pandya