India fast bowler Ishant Sharma is currently undergoing his rehabilitation under the watchful eyes Rahul Dravid and former pacer and current Under-19 coach Paras Mhambrey at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Bangalore. Ishant’s progress will be monitored over the upcoming weeks and if he proves his fitness, he will be added to the Test squad against Australia. It is believed that Ishant will have a huge role to play in Australia, especially considering that Team India captain Virat Kohli will be unavailable for three out of the four Tests

“As NCA head, Dravid has informed the board that Ishant is working with Mhambrey to be fit in time for the Test matches. Ishant will definitely have a big role to play and his presence will not just give India another strike bowler, but also his experience will bring a lot to the table in Kohli's absence," a source said, according to ANI.

Ishant played just one game in the recently-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 – against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – but a muscle tear ruled him out for the rest of the season. The pacer underwent rehabilitation at the NCA ahead of the New Zealand tour as well, but he managed to play just one Test, after which his ankle injury resurfaced.

India and Australia are set to lock horns in a four-match Test series, which begins with a day-night match at the Adelaide Oval from December 17.