Ishant Sharma Unwell, Ashok Dinda gets SOS

TNI Bureau: Ashok Dinda got a Diwali Gift from the cricket board, BCCI. He was asked to join the Indian Test squad as possible cover for fast baller Ishant Sharma.

“Ishant Sharma has got viral fever. He is expected to be fit for the first Test between India and England. However, Ashok Dinda has been told to fly to Ahmedabad as a standby.”  BCCI secretary Sanjay Jagdale said in a statement.

However, the 28-year old pacer sees his inclusion as a reward for his hard work. “I will not term this as a Diwali gift, rather it’s a reward for my hard work,” he said.

Bengal paceman Dinda was the highest wicket-taker in domestic cricket in last season and his seven-wicket haul in the Duleep Trophy semifinal against South Zone last month pushed his case for selection in the Test squad.

Dinda, who has played 10 one-dayes and five Twenty20 internationals, is yet to play Test Cricket. Currently, India’s trust in England’s weakness against the spin and the presence of Zaheer Khan and Umesh Yadav in the pace department, he is however unlikely to make a mark in the First test.