Ollie Pope, England’s vice-captain, expects that Rehan Ahmed’s visa issue will be rectified in time for the third Test in Rajkot, which begins on Friday.
Rehan Ahmed was arrested at Hirasar airport as the squad returned from Abu Dhabi because he only had a single-entry visa. In the meanwhile, he was granted an emergency two-day visa to prepare with his colleagues before of the competition.
This is the second time during the trip that England players have experienced visa concerns. Before Rehan Ahmed, his spin bowling partner, Shoaib Bashir, was stuck in Abu Dhabi and could only reach India after having his visa stamped in the United Kingdom. As a result, he had to skip the first Test in Hyderabad.
Although the process of obtaining Rehan Ahmed’s right visa is allegedly started, England will hope that the authorities rectify the matter as quickly as possible.
“Hopefully, it (Ahmed’s visa issue) will be sorted in a day or so,” Pope said during the pre-match press conference.
England require Rehan Ahmed’s skills more than ever, especially now that their senior spinner, Jack Leach, has been ruled out for the duration of the trip owing to knee injury.
Rehan has eight wickets in the series and has shown to be an effective batsman as well. He has made several important runs for the club thus far, including a one-time stint as the nightwatchman at No.3.
“Not sure if Ben Stokes will be available to bowl in the Rajkot Test” – Ollie Pope
So far in the series, England has maintained to the norm of using a single seamer in the starting XI, with Mark Wood and James Anderson each appearing in one Test. Ben Stokes, the visiting captain, would have been a perfect option in these conditions because to his short, furious periods and reverse swing bowling.The all-rounder last bowled in the first part of the 2023 Ashes and has just undergone knee surgery.
Stokes was observed bowling during a practice session in Rajkot, raising the possibility of him bowling in the third Test.
However, Pope revealed that the captain is not yet fit to bowl and congratulated him on his forthcoming milestone of 100 Test appearances for the side.
“Not sure if Ben Stokes will be available to bowl in the Rajkot Test, he is working to get his knee right.”
Ollie Pope
Ollie Pope added:
“Unbelievable achievement to play 100 Tests. Since he has been the captain there have been so many special moments.”
Ollie Pope
England will be looking to recover the series lead against a fragile Indian team that is without several important players.
