Suryakumar, Shaw to join India Test squad in England: BCCI official

After an impressive start to his limited-overs career, India batsman Suryakumar Yadav has received his maiden Test call-up for the five-match series against England. Opening batsman Prithvi Shaw are due to fly out to England to join the squad, according to reports. All-rounder Jayant Yadav too was to be on the flight to UK, but due to some quarantine requirements, that move has been put on hold.  

Shubman Gill, Avesh Khan and Washington Sundar's injuries have left India with just 21 players in England. Three more additions, give India more options to pick from for the Test series, starting August 4 at Trent Bridge.

"Yes, Prithvi and Surya are flying to UK from Sri Lanka. Jayant was also supposed to go but there has been some change in plans due to quarantine requirements. Jayant is now not going. Both players will have a bubble to bubble transfer from Colombo to London. Whether they will fly in the middle of the T20 Internationals (Shaw and and Suryakumar are part of team in Sri Lanka) or post that is being worked out," the senior official told PTI.

"But yes, these three are our replacement players for the Test series in England. They might just leave after the three T20 Internationals (vs Sri Lanka) but we will get a confirmation in another three days," the senior official told PTI.

It is understood that Shaw's form has impressed the team management and Agarwal's current rhythm isn't the greatest. However, with quarantine rules in place, it is not clear if Suryakumar and Shaw can make it in time for the first Test after completing their hard quarantine.

Suryakumar's assertive batting could be used during some point in the series as Ajinkya Rahane's hamstring injury will keep the team concerned. "In any case, if Ajinkya misses the first Test, it will be KL Rahul who will bat in the middle order in Nottingham. The team management is still confident that Ajinkya might be alright before the Nottingham Test."

(With inputs from PTI)