In what comes as a major boost for India, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant joined the team's bio-bubble in Durham on Wednesday ahead of the five-match Test series against England. However, it has been reported that Bharat Arun, Wriddhiman Saha and Abhimanyu Easwaran are still in isolation.

The ECB have named a 17-man squad for England’s first two Tests against India, and the list includes the name of Haseeb Hameed, who made his Test debut against India five years ago. Ben Stokes also makes his return after missing the New Zealand Tests, while Bairstow has also been included.

Indian cricket expert Aakash Chopra has opined that given the long gap between the WTC final and the first Test against England, India will need to start from scratch as they aren't used to the conditions. He also added that the Covid situation in the team has added complications.

Ahead of the five-match Test series against England, Rishabh Pant has reportedly tested positive for the delta variant of the COVID-19 virus in the country. The reports also confirmed that the player, said to be Pant, will not take part in India’s warm-up game in Durham against Select County XI.