Parthiv to play fourth Test against England at Mumbai

Wriddhiman Saha had developed a strain in his left thigh during the second match against England at Visakhapatnam and was rested as a precautionary measure for the third Test. Parthiv Patel made a comeback to the team, almost after eight years in the Mohali Test and marked his debut game with innings of 42 and 67 not out. However, his place in the side was going to be in danger as Wriddhiman Saha was supposed to be fit for the next game.

But after the Bengal wicketkeeper failed to gain full fitness, the national selection committee decided to retain Parthiv in the squad. 

Mumbai Mirror reported that the decision to retain Parthiv was taken during a meeting which was held over a teleconference on Saturday evening. 

If KL Rahul gets fit for the Mumbai Test, Parthiv is likely to bat in the middle-order and Karun Nair, who was run-out unfortunately in his debut Test at Mohali, is expected to warm the bench. 

Ishant Sharma, who has been a part of the squad for the first three Tests, without getting a game, though, has been released for his wedding.

A Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) official said, "With the Ranji Trophy going on, it was felt that the squad should not be packed with too many players.”

The changes have also been approved by BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke and Board President Anurag Thakur has also given his nod. 

India squad for Mumbai Test: Virat Kohli (c), Parthiv Patel (wk), Ajinkya Rahane, KL Rahul, Murali Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara, Karun Nair, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, Amit Mishra, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.