India's Harshit Rana Released from Squad Ahead of Second Test Against England Following First Test Defeat

India take on England (AP Photo)

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

The young fast 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 around 11:30 am local time, with an expected arrival in Birmingham approximately three hours later.

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.

Following India’s loss in the first Test, Gautam Gambhir commented on Rana's inclusion: “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 defeat at Headingley, despite a strong batting performance, has been a talking point. The team scored a total of 835 runs and recorded five individual centuries, yet still suffered a loss.

This marked a historic first in Test cricket, with a team losing despite achieving five centuries in a single match.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant (twice) all achieved centuries. However, England successfully chased down a target of 371, securing a five-wicket victory on the final day.

Ben Duckett's aggressive 149 set the stage for the record-breaking chase, complemented by significant contributions from Crawley and Root. The combined score of 1673 runs between both teams established a new record for the highest total in a Test match between India and England.

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