India's Harshit Rana Released from Test Squad Ahead of Second England Clash

India take on England (AP Photo)

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

The young bowler, initially called up as a precautionary measure, was not seen with the rest of the team as they boarded the bus to Birmingham.

The Indian squad departed from Leeds around 11:30 am local time and arrived in Birmingham approximately three hours later.

The team is scheduled to rest for two days before resuming training in preparation for the second Test. Their goal is to level the series after the setback at Headingley.

Following India’s defeat in the first Test, Gautam Gambhir had mentioned Rana's inclusion, stating, "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 defeat at Headingley, despite a strong batting performance with 835 runs and five centuries, has been a talking point. It marked the first instance in Test history where a team lost despite achieving five individual centuries in the 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 provided the foundation for the record chase, complemented by significant contributions from Crawley and Root. The combined 1673 runs scored by both teams represent the highest aggregate in a Test match between India and England.

India will face England in the second Test at Edgbaston on July 2.