If a story running on WAtoday.com is to be believed, India leading swing bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar is not sure of playing in the first test against Australia to be commenced from Tuesday on Adelaide ground due to a sore ankle.
In case this proves to be true, it is going to be a big blow for the visiting side. Bhuvneshwar Kumar was among the few Indian cricketers sure of playing in Australia, being a leading bowler and having an edge to take advantage of his power to swing and move the ball both ways.
Fortunately, as a big relief, we have Varun Aaron, who can replace Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Off late Varun has been in good form and he has shown consistency in the practice match. In view of the fact that Bhuvneshwar Kumar did not bowl at a training session yesterday, the apprehension appears to be valid. Although, as per the news item published on WA sports, he is stated to have been recovering from his pain in his left ankle.
It is not out of place to highlight that Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been named as a player of the year by the BCCI recently. In his last tour of England, his figures of 19 wickets at the average of 26.63 established his credibility.
Although Bhuvneshwar Kumar has not been announced to be injured officially, but in case he is not fully fit, the management, in all of its likelihood, shall not take a chance in this very crucial first game itself, which is not less than an acid test for team India. Who knows this given opportunity for Varun Aaron might prove to be game changer for him as well as for team India. Though a hell lot will be depending on the lanky Ishant Sharma and expensive Shami Ahmed, as to how they really give us a much needed thrilling and killing performance.