Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been named in India’s squad for the fourth and final Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Ashwin played the series opener in Adelaide, but missed the second Test in Perth and third in Melbourne due to injury. He was initially ruled out of the squad for the fourth, but later recalled.

Fast bowler Ishant Sharma, who is nursing a rib injury, has been omitted as a precaution. Fellow seamer Umesh Yadav has been added as a replacement – and left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav included. New father Rohit Sharma will not play.

‘It’s unfortunate that Ashwin has had two niggles quite similar in the last couple of away tours. That’s obviously he, more than anyone else, who will be focused to correct. The physiotherapist and the trainer have spoken to him in terms of what’s required in order to get over that injury,’ said captain Virat Kohli before Ashwin returned to the squad.

‘He is very important for sure. In Test cricket he is a vital part of this team, and we want him to be 100% fit and for a longer period so that he can contribute to us more in the Test format.

‘He is very disappointed with the fact that he has not been able to recover in time, but the things have been laid out to him as to what needs to be done to get back to full fitness. Honestly, you can’t predict an injury, when it happens you just manage and doing what you can to get over that injury.’

The Indians boast a two-one series lead. The final Test will start on Thursday.

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