Harsh Dubey replaces injured Washington Sundar for third ODI vs England
- Harsh Dubey replaces Washington Sundar in India's ODI squad for the third match against England.
- Sundar's injury ruled him out of the series decider at Lord's.
- Dubey is expected to join the squad ahead of the crucial final ODI.
Dubey drafted in for series decider
India have called up all-rounder Harsh Dubey as a replacement for the injured Washington Sundar ahead of the third and final ODI against England. The match, set to be played at Lord's, will decide the series winner after the first two games ended in a 1-1 tie.
Sundar sustained an injury during the second ODI, though officials have not yet confirmed the exact nature or severity of the issue. The team management moved quickly to bring in Dubey, who was already on standby.
Who is Harsh Dubey?
Dubey is a left-arm spinner and a handy lower-order batsman. He has been consistent in domestic cricket over the past two seasons. His ability to bowl tight spells in the middle overs and contribute quick runs lower down the order makes him a like-for-like replacement for Sundar.
The 25-year-old has previously been part of India A tours and has impressed selectors with his performances in the Ranji Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. This call-up marks his first inclusion in the senior national squad for an ODI series.
What this means for India's balance
Sundar's absence leaves a gap in India's spin-bowling all-round options. Dubey is expected to slot into a similar role, offering captain Rohit Sharma an additional bowling option while also lengthening the batting order.
India's think-tank will likely assess conditions at Lord's before finalising the playing XI. The pitch at the venue has historically offered assistance to spinners as the game progresses, which could work in Dubey's favour.
Series context and what to watch
The series is locked at 1-1 after India won the first ODI by a comfortable margin and England bounced back in the second. The final ODI is a high-stakes encounter, with both teams eager to claim the trophy.
Dubey's inclusion adds a fresh dynamic to the Indian squad. His performance, if he gets a game, will be closely watched by selectors ahead of the next ODI cycle. The match is scheduled to begin at the usual local time, with both teams expected to announce their final XI on match morning.