India's Harshit Rana Released from Squad Ahead of Second England Test in Birmingham: Injury Concerns Eased?

India take on England (AP Photo)

Leeds: Indian fast bowler Harshit Rana has been released from the Test squad prior to the second match of the five-Test series against England.

The young bowler, initially called up as a precautionary measure, was not seen boarding the bus with his teammates to Birmingham. The Indian squad departed from Leeds around 11:30 am local time, with an expected journey time of just over three hours to Birmingham.

The team is scheduled to rest for two days before resuming training. They will focus on preparing for the second Test, aiming to level the series after their recent defeat.

Following India’s defeat in the first Test, Gautam Gambhir commented on Rana's inclusion: "I haven't spoken to the chairman selector; I will speak to the chairman of selectors because there was a bit of a niggle in the group. That is why we wanted him as a backup.”

He further added, “But at the moment, everything looks fine, so if everyone is fine, he would have to fly back.”

India's loss at Headingley, despite a strong batting performance, has drawn attention. The team scored 835 runs and recorded five individual centuries. It marked the first instance in Test history where a team lost despite achieving five centuries in a single match.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant (twice) all scored centuries, but England successfully chased down a target of 371, securing a five-wicket victory on the final day.

Ben Duckett's aggressive 149 set the stage for the record chase, with significant contributions from Crawley and Root. The combined total of 1673 runs between the two teams is the highest ever recorded in a Test match between India and England.

India is scheduled to face England in the second Test at Edgbaston on July 2.