Bumrah named in Test squad

INDIA handed a maiden Test call-up to paceman Jasprit Bumrah, naming the right-arm fast bowler in a 17-man squad for the three-match series in South Africa next month.

Wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel also returned to the Test ranks after a year out as back-up to Wriddhiman Saha.

“This is one of the most balanced sides to tour South Africa,” chairperson of the selection committee MSK Prasad told reporters.

Bumrah’s unorthodox action and his ability to bowl yorkers almost at will have made him a limited-overs asset and Prasad felt it was time to blood the bowler, who turned 24 today, in the Test format.

“If you see his performance for the past 18 months, he’s been phenomenal ... in both one-day and Twenty20,” Prasad said.

“Considering his Ranji Trophy performance last year, it was a unanimous decision. He definitely adds variety to our pace attack.

“Considering the nature of the wickets there, I think it will suit his bowling,” said the former India wicketkeeper.

Patel made a Test comeback after an eight-year gap against England last year when Saha sustained an injury and the 32-year-old scored two fifties in four innings.

“When you go to South Africa, you definitely require two wicket-keepers, you cannot take a chance. We gave him an opportunity against England and he did beyond our expectations,” Prasad said.

Currently playing a three-Test series against Sri Lanka, world number one India

will leave for South Africa later this month to play three tests beginning on January 5 in Cape Town.

They also play six one-day and three Twenty20 matches. – Reuters