Pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar to miss first two Tests due to ankle injury

According to ESPNCricinfo, Indian fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been virtually ruled out of India's first two Tests in Australia due to a left ankle injury. Bhuvneshwar missed India's training session in Adelaide on Sunday, the venue of the first test beginning Tuesday.

A statement from the team management stated that Bhuvneshwar 'is recovering from his left ankle pain and he could be available for first Test selection.' However, ESPNCricinfo sources say that the pacer will not be in contention till the third Test in Melbourne.

Reportedly, the BCCI had considered the option of withdrawing Bhuvneshwar from the squad for the Test series, but decided that it would be better for his recovery if he was monitored by the team's physiotherapists.

Bhuvneshwar was India's highest wicket-taker during the five-Test series in England taking 19 wickets, and also scored three fifties down the order. Without Kumar, India are likely to field a three-pronged pace attack consisting of Ishant Sharma, Varun Aaron and Mohammed Shami.