Wriddhiman Saha, Abhimanyu Easwaran and Bharat Arun, who had to go into isolation after being identified as close contacts of a Covid-infected staff member, have rejoined the Indian squad 10 days ahead of the first Test. Saha and Easwaran missed the warm-up game against County XI due to isolation.

Shane Warne has earmarked Matt Parkinson as a potential Ashes bolter and believes England could hand the youngster a Test cap against India to blood him in the longest format. The legendary leg-spinner claimed that he was mighty impressed with the Lancashire man, terming him ‘exciting’.

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)’s chief executive Tom Harrison has admitted that he is expecting the English internationals to be part of the start of The Hundred. While stating that, he reckoned that the ECB are working to ensure that all the tournaments are going ahead as expected.

The ECB have named a strong ‘County XI’ squad to take on team India at the Emirates Riverside from July 20 with two England internationals, Haseeb Hameed and James Bracey, finding a place. The squad also features Worcestershire’s Jake Libby, the highest scoring opener in County this season.