Gambhir back in test side

Indian opening batsman Gautam Gambhir is back in the national squad for the first time in two years.

Gambhir returns to the test fold after two years in the international wilderness, replacing the injured KL Rahul for the remaining test matches against New Zealand.

His return comes after he showed good form in the Duleep Trophy, averaging 71.20 over five innings, scoring 356 runs.

Uncapped offspinner Jayant on Thursday to rejoin the Wellington Firebirds for another domestic season.

‘‘I thought ‘she’s going to struggle with all the bags and the little one as well’. So I had to take a deep breath - not so much ask for permission but certainly discuss what could happen next. She was all for it.

‘‘The timing wasn’t great last time, at all, and it was manageable this time so why not? I’m enjoying my cricket, I’m loving it. I’ve Yadav has also come into the test squad, replacing Ishant Sharma who has been ruled out of the second test. Sharma also missed the first test.

Gambhir has had a fine time of it playing against New Zealand, although mainly in Kiwi conditions.

He averages 55.83 with the bat in eight tests against the Black Caps, although that number drops to 32.14 in his native India. His career batting average is 42.58. bowled OK recently so hopefully I can take that form into a test match. To go and don that cap again will be exciting.’’

There’s a bit of Kiwi understatement there. Patel again bowled the house down in England and had an oversized Stg10,000 (NZ$17,850) cheque to show for it as the Professional Cricketers’ Association’s most valuable player for a second time.

He also made the shortlist for the PCA’s players’ player of 2016