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

India take on England (AP Photo)

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

The young speedster, 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 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 aim to level the series in the second Test and overcome the disappointment of the Headingley defeat.

"I haven't spoken to the chairman of selectors yet, but I will because there was a slight niggle in the group. That's why we wanted him as a backup," Gautam Gambhir stated regarding Rana following India’s defeat in the first Test.

“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 drawn attention due to its unusual nature. It marked the first instance in Test history of a team losing despite scoring five centuries in the match.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant (twice) all achieved centuries, but England mounted a remarkable chase 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 1673 runs scored by both teams represent the highest ever in a Test match between India and England.

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