Unfit Ishant unlikely to play 1st Test

Ishant Sharma has been rendered a doubtful starter for the opening Test against England as the lanky India pacer skipped the practice sessions on Tuesday.

The Indian team, except Sharma, sweated it out at the Motera Stadium on Tuesday morning.

BCCI Secretary Sanjay Jagdale, when contacted, said there seems to be some "problem" with Sharma, but he did not know the details.

"There is some problem, as I got a call from the team management. They are still ascertaining details whether he will be available to play (in the Test)," Jagdale said.

According to team sources, Sharma has picked up a viral infection, but it could not be verified from official sources.

It is also not clear whether the team has asked for a replacement for Sharma.