New Delhi: India’s fast bowlers Gurnoor Brar, Auqib Nabi and Arshdeep Singh are set to remain in New Zealand after the conclusion of the ODI series to assist the team’s preparations for the upcoming two-match Test series. The trio, who are yet to make their Test debuts, will serve as net bowlers and reserve options for the Indian squad.
The three pacers are expected to join the Test contingent in Wellington on November 16, following the fifth and final ODI against New Zealand at Bay Oval on November 15.
Brar and Nabi were part of India’s Test squad during the previous series against Sri Lanka, while Arshdeep is also expected to be involved in the preparations. The decision will provide the team with additional fast bowling options during its training sessions.
Brar has been particularly impressive in the ongoing ODI series, claiming seven wickets across the first two matches. He picked up three wickets in the opening ODI on November 4 before producing another strong performance with four wickets in the second match.
Arshdeep has taken four wickets in the series, all coming in the opening ODI, where he returned figures of 4/70 and earned the Player of the Match award. He went wicketless in the second encounter.
Nabi, meanwhile, has claimed two wickets, dismissing two New Zealand top order batters in the second ODI after going wicketless in the series opener.
In first class cricket, Nabi has an impressive record of 180 wickets from 47 matches, including 16 five wicket hauls and four ten wicket match performances. Arshdeep has claimed 73 wickets in 24 matches, while Brar has taken 71 wickets in 22 appearances.
Meanwhile, head coach Gautam Gambhir and spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule are expected to travel with the three fast bowlers to Wellington on November 16.
India’s other Test players, including Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Anshul Kamboj, Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav, are expected to join the preparations earlier, with the Test camp scheduled to begin on November 11.
The opening Test against New Zealand is scheduled to begin on November 19.
