India's Harshit Rana Released from Squad Ahead of Second Test Against England in Birmingham

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 team bus to Birmingham with his teammates. The Indian squad departed from Leeds at approximately 11:30 am local time and is anticipated to arrive in Birmingham in slightly over three hours.

The team is scheduled to rest for the following two days before resuming training. They aim to level the series in the second Test and overcome the disappointment of the Headingley defeat.

Following India’s defeat in the first Test, Gautam Gambhir commented on Rana: “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.”

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

India's loss at Headingley, despite accumulating 835 runs and recording five individual centuries, has garnered significant attention due to its unique circumstances. It marked the first instance in Test history where a team suffered a defeat despite achieving five centuries in a single match.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant (twice) all achieved centuries, but England executed a remarkable chase of 371, securing a five-wicket victory on the final day.

Ben Duckett’s aggressive 149 established the foundation for the record chase, with significant contributions from Crawley and Root. The combined 1673 runs scored by both teams represent the highest total 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.