Jurel set to replace Nitish for South Africa opener

Agencies | Kolkata

In-from wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel will play the opening Test against South Africa here and all-rounder Nitish Kumart Reddy is set to be the one who makes way for him in the line-up, said India’s assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate on Wednesday.

 The 24-year-old Jurel, who has played seven Tests so far, has struck four centuries in his last five first-class matches, including twin hundreds against South Africa ‘A’ in Bengaluru last week.

 With first-choice wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant back after recovering from a foot fracture he suffered during the fourth Test against England in Manchester in July, there were questions over whether the management would find room for Jurel.

 But Ten Doeschate said they were “clear” about their combination ahead of the opening Test at the Eden Gardens beginning Friday.

 “I think we’ve got a pretty good idea of the combination, and I don’t think you can leave them (Jurel and Pant) out for this Test  that’s the short answer,” said Ten Doeschate to reporters at a media interaction. Now a year and a half into his international career, Jurel has shown poise and maturity beyond his experience.