Injured Ishant Sharma advised 'six-week' rest, doubtful for NZ tour

New Delhi:Indian pacer Ishant Sharma has been advised six weeks' rest after sustaining an ankle tear during a Ranji Trophy game.The injury to 31-year old has put his participation in doubt for the upcoming Test series in New Zealand, which begins on February 21.

According to a Cricinfo report, Sharma suffered the injury on Monday, playing for Delhi against Vidarbha at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground. He was immediately taken out of the game and later assessed by a local specialist, who confirmed the grade three tear and advised him six weeks' rest. 

Sharma is now expected to go to the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore for reassessment.The selectors are due to pick the squad for the two-Test series in New Zealand in a few days' time. Ishant was scheduled to leave for New Zealand by February 6.  

However, the Indian cricket board is yet to issue a statement on his injury.

India's most experienced pacer is an integral part of India's pace attack, comprising Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami and Umesh Yadav.(UNI)