Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is all set to join Team India before the Boxing Day Test starts in Melbourne, as reported by The Indian Express. The all-rounder who has been out of the reckoning for the past three months due to a back injury performed superbly with both bat and ball during his Ranji side Baroda's ongoing game against Mumbai and thus has proved his match fitness.
The newspaper reported that the selection committee has left it upon him the decision of when he wants to join the team Down Under. Sarandeep Singh, one of the national selectors was also reported to have been present at the Wankhede Stadium to observe the proceedings and he also talked to Hardik after the day's play came to a close.
Pandya, who had taken five wickets in the Mumbai innings, ran out of partners before being last out for an attacking 73 in 137 balls with 9 fours and one six after he bravely tried to guide the visitors past the hosts' first innings tally of 465.
Pandya, who came to the crease when Baroda were 307 for three, departed caught behind to end the visitors' innings at 436. He had escaped earlier when he was bowled off a no-ball.
In the remaining time, Mumbai were rocked by Pandya's two-wicket burst and were tottering at 20 for 2 at the close, an overall lead of 49.
(With PTI inputs)
