Mohammed Siraj's Workload to be Assessed Ahead of Afghanistan Test

The Indian team management is likely to make a final call on Mohammed Siraj's workload within the next 48 hours ahead of the one-off Afghanistan Test. If the 32-year-old is rested, Auqib Nabi will replace him in the squad. TimesofIndia.com has learnt that medical staff continues to monitor Siraj, who has already reached Chandigarh, but his participation hinges on an assessment over the next two days. The bowler had a long season in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Gujarat Titans (GT), playing every game, including the final on May 31. The Titans lost the final by five wickets to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Discussions occurred about resting Siraj for the one-off Test but decision-makers did not want to field a completely inexperienced bowling attack. If selectors make a late call to rest Siraj, Gurnoor Brar is likely to debut, and Nabi will be added to the squad. "Siraj has had a long season and If he is rested, there is a bright possibility Gurnoor will play and Nabi will come into the squad," a source tracking developments tells TimesofIndia.com. Nabi, who took 60 wickets in the Ranji Trophy and guided Jammu & Kashmir to the title, has joined the Indian squad as one of six net bowlers assisting the team in the build-up to the Test. Apart from Nabi, pacers Gurjapneet Singh and Prince Yadav, and spinners Saransh Jain, Zeeshan Ansari and Shivang Kumar have also been asked to bowl in the nets. The one-off Test will be played at the New Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) International Stadium in New Chandigarh. It will be followed by three ODIs in Dharamsala, Lucknow and Chennai.