Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Rohit Sharma clears fitness test ahead of UK tour

Top batsman Rohit Sharma cleared a fitness test on Wednesday (20) and will join India's tour of the United Kingdom, bringing relief to selectors after two others recently failed to pass muster.

Sharma, whose inclusion in the limited-overs squad was considered vital for any hope of Indian success, passed the 'yo-yo' running exercise introduced to ensure players were up to scratch.


All eyes were on Sharma as he proved his endurance against the clock after pace spearhead Mohammed Shami and batsman Ambati Rayudu failed the same test despite already being chosen for the India squad.

Players are supposed to take the yo-yo test before selection under rules introduced by India's cricket board last year and a break in protocol for Shami has caused controversy.

Shami was chosen for the Test squad against Afghanistan last weekend without running the yo-yo. He was replaced in the one-off match by uncapped paceman Navdeep Saini after failing to prove his fitness.

Left-handed batsman Suresh Raina was called up for India's one-day international squad for England after Rayudu was found unfit.

Board administrator Vinod Rai said "there was no time to organise" the tests because the names of all prospective players for the tour had to be submitted for travel visas to the UK.

"Because of that, the cart was put before the horse and we will ensure that this doesn't happen from now on," he told AFP.

India will play two Twenty20 internationals in Ireland before travelling to England for a three-month tour starting with the first of three T20 matches on July 3.

The Virat Kohli-led side will also play three ODI matches and five Tests.

More For You

Tom Fletcher’s 'Paddington The Musical'
London welcomes Paddington The Musical starring Arti Shah
Isha Shah

Tom Fletcher’s 'Paddington The Musical' track enters festive race for UK Christmas number one

Highlights:

  • Tom Fletcher’s new single from Paddington The Musical is out now
  • One Of Us is among the bookmakers’ favourites for the festive top spot
  • Music video features Paddington Bear at the station with Fletcher
  • West End previews running at the Savoy Theatre until May 2026
  • Royal Variety Performance included a Paddington meet-and-greet with William and Catherine

Tom Fletcher’s latest single, One Of Us, from Paddington The Musical, is already making waves and has been tipped for this year’s Christmas number one. The song came out on Friday, sung by Tom Fletcher. The video features Paddington Bear at the station, holding a marmalade sandwich, which adds a touch of fun to the clip.

Tom Fletcher\u2019s 'Paddington The Musical' London welcomes Paddington The Musical starring Arti Shah Isha Shah

Keep ReadingShow less