Not Umesh Yadav; Ishant Sharma Likely to Make India’s Playing XI in Place of Injured Mohammed Siraj For 3rd Test at Cape Town

Ishant will probably be opted for as the experienced pacer would give more control and can choke the runs.

Cape Town: There were speculations over who would replace injured Mohammed Siraj for the third Test at Cape Town. Reports had earlier suggested that there would be a toss-up between Umesh Yadav and Ishant Sharma. Now, the latest report on TOI claims that Ishant would pip Umesh to the side for the final Test.

Ishant will probably be opted for as the experienced pacer would give more control and can choke the runs. Despite Ishant’s drop in pace, he looks to be the chosen one for the final Test.

Siraj had earlier pulled his hamstring while bowling at the Wanderers and had to leave the field. Ishant, who has played more than 100 Tests and has over 300 wickets, would play a key role at the Newlands if he gets picked.

India Playing XI:

KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane/Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma/ Umesh Yadav

On the other hand, regular Test captain Virat Kohli is also set to make a return to the side. It would be interesting to see who makes way for him. As per the same TOI report, Hanuma Vihari is going to make way for Kohli’s return. There were rumours that Ajinkya Rahane could face the axe but that may not be the case at Cape Town.

Rain is once again going to play a factor at Newlands. The forecast is not that good and that would not be good news for fans.