Published: Aug 12, 2017, 03:32 PM (IST)
Edited: Aug 12, 2017, 03:23 PM (IST)
County teams have been drafting many subcontinent players, which has in turn helped the cricketers to better their records in England. Mohammad Aamer was the latest name to join County cricket last month. Skipper Virat Kohli too had expressed the desire to play county cricket ahead of the 2018 India tour of England. According to a report in ESPNcricinfo, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are likely to participate in County Championship before the end of season. Worcestershire has identified Ashwin as the ideal candidate. Steve Rhodes, the club’s director, has considered Jadeja as well.
However, BCCI have always been cautious of their players’ schedule. India’s timetable last year was packed with back-to-back series against New Zealand, England and Australia. It was followed by IPL, Champions Trophy, and they are back to the grind with the ongoing Sri Lanka series. But with India’s record in England, this could be an opportunity that could benefit India’s ace spinners. The final three rounds of County Championship is scheduled to begin after September 6, when India are done with their tour against Sri Lanka. Which means, Ashwin and Jadeja could very much be available for the Championship. But with India to play Australia for a limited-over series in October, the participation is currently dangling. BCCI are yet to announce the dates for Australia series as well. Not just Worcestershire, but other county teams are also looking to draft the ideal players to their side.
It is not just bowlers, county teams are also looking to hire an Indian batsman to the side by the end of the season. Kohli is in contention. Cheteshwar Pujara, who had a great start to the county season with Nottinghamshire, is likely to come back for the final week of Championship too.
