The visa issue pertaining to England wrist spinner Rehan Ahmed was ultimately rectified on Wednesday, February 14, in time for the third Test in Rajkot. Notably, during England’s ten-day break in Abu Dhabi, the 19-year-old encountered difficulties getting back to India. Ahmed, a Pakistani national, arrived in Rajkot with a single-entry visa, but he managed to finish his papers one day before the third Test.
Following their assistance, the Indian government and the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) were able to address the matter. Ben Stokes, the captain of England, commended the Indian government and the BCCI for promptly resolving the matter once it occurred.
“Having to wait for something is never easy for anyone, but happily, we managed to get it done this morning. Kudos to the airport staff for granting him his visa at the beginning, as well as to the government and BCCI for their swift processing of the application. Stokes was cited by the Times of India as saying, “We are very confident that we will get the visa for Rehan before the game starts, so we don’t have to worry about those issues anymore.”
With eight wickets from four innings at an average of 36.37, Rehan Ahmed is the second-highest wicket-taker for England so far in the series.
Arriving in India on the third day of the first Test in Hyderabad, England, off-spinner Shoaib Bashir’s visit was also postponed because of visa complications prior to the series. In the second test match held in Visakhapatnam, he made his debut at last. He took four wickets in two innings while conceding 196 runs.
For the third Test, England makes one change to their starting lineup.
Ahead of the third Test, England has made one alteration to their lineup, substituting quick Mark Wood for Bashir. Both teams will be keen to seize the lead in the third game, which starts on Thursday, February 15 at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot, with the five-match series tied at one.
The following players make up the England XI: Ben Foakes, Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood, James Anderson, Joe Root, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, and Ben Stokes (captain).
India
