Gulf Today Report

India suffered a huge blow on the eve of their first Test against England as opener Mayank Agarwal was ruled out of the series opener with a head injury.

Agarwal was hit on his head during a net practice by team-mate Siraj during a training session. Since then, he has been showing the signs of concussion.

“Agarwal has shown signs of concussion and is ruled out of the opening Test against England,” a BCCI statement said.

It is reported that the opener is under medical observation and will be closely watched.

KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran are in contention to replace the opener as Prithvi Shaw, who was called from Sri Lanka to join India, is unavailable until his quarantine period has been served.

Meanwhile, India will look to break the Test series losing jinx in England. The tourist have lost five consecutive Test series in England.

Having been in England for over two months, since losing World Test championship final against New Zealand, India have got used to the conditions there.

Having lost the Test series against India earlier, this year on dry wickets, England are expected to prepare green pitches to assist their bowlers.

With a pace attack that features, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Siraj, India claim to be well prepared for the challenges.

England will look to continue their dominance at home with a sixth straight series win.