Indian pacer Akash Deep is unlikely to be considered for the white-ball series against England.

According to Cricbuzz, Akash, who suffered back pain and missed the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney, will miss at least a month of action. Upon returning to India, he will appear before the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.

Also read: Meet Steve Stolk – the future South Africa captain Pretoria Capitals has invested in for SA20 2025

It is doubtful that the pacer will be available for the five T20Is against England, starting January 22 in Kolkata, his hometown.

Although he is yet to make his white-ball debut, his recent performances have raised his profile and he could have been considered for selection, especially as Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are also expected to miss the T20 series.

Both the pacers bowled more than 150 overs each during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and need rest to prepare for future matches, particularly the Champions Trophy.

The situation with Bumrah is still uncertain as the selectors await a report from the NCA. Bumrah missed bowling in the second innings in Sydney due to back spasms and will have to get clearance from the NCA before returning.

The selectors hope that he will be ready for the Champions Trophy, which will be played from February 19 to March 9.

The selection committee is expected to meet around the BCCI Annual General Meeting on January 12 to finalize the teams for the England white-ball series and a provisional team for the Champions Trophy. England will play five T20Is and three ODIs against India from January 22 to February 12.

Also Read: Meet Jordan Hermann, the 22-year-old Sunrisers talent who looks set to top SA20 2025 racing charts

Shami prepares for possible return to the Indian team

Mohammed Shami is likely to return to the Indian team for the series against England and possibly the Champions Trophy. Shami has just taken up playing white-ball cricket after being out of action since the World Cup final in November 2023. He looks fit for the national team.

Shami had slight swelling in her knee after surgery on her right heel. However, he has been under close observation by the NCA medical team and has already played a few matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Bengal.

The selectors will closely monitor their performances during the Vijay Hazare Trophy qualifiers. They are confident that he would be selected for the Indian team. The good news is that he does not have any problems while bowling and as soon as the NCA gives the go-ahead, he will be able to join the team.

For more updates, follow CricXtasy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Telegram and YouTube.