As a boost for India, star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is expected to make a comeback and play in Saurashtra’s final Ranji Trophy match, which begins on January 24, as reported by ESPNcriconfo. The Ranji draw will feature Chennai versus Tamil Nadu. Jadeja had to leave the Asia Cup last September to undergo surgery on his right knee. He is currently completing his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore and the selectors have called him up in the 17-man Test squad for the first half of the four-game Border-Gavaskar Trophy which begins on February 9 in Nagpur. The second test of the series will be played in Delhi, followed by the last two tests in Dharamsala and Ahmedabad.

While the all-rounder has been included in the 17-man Test squad for the home series against Australia that begins next month, his inclusion depends on his pre-series fitness.

The selectors clarified that Jadeja will only be considered for selection if the NCA certifies his eligibility. Jadeja reportedly resumed batting and bowling earlier this week but will need to pass fitness tests to be considered ready and available to compete in cricket.

A southpaw batting at No. 5 or 6 for India in both the red-ball and limited-over formats equalizes alongside the country’s top spinner R Ashwin in the middle order, particularly in Absence of Rishabh Pant.

The series is very important for both teams as they try to secure a place in the WTC finals. The series begins in Nagpur on February 9 with tests in Delhi, Dharamsala and Ahmedabad.

India defeated Australia 2-1 in one of the most exciting bilateral series ever played. Jadeja’s 63 in her first innings and a match-sized four-wicket haul helped India win the final Test in Dharamsala.

India’s Test squad for the first two Tests against Australia: Rohit Sharma (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), R. Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja , Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, and Suryakumar Yadav.

(Except for the headline, this story was not edited by NDTV staff and was published by a syndicated feed.)

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