Ishant Sharma down with Chikungunya, out of 1st Test against New Zealand

Mumbai: India's senior most fast bowler Ishant Sharma has been ruled out of the first cricket Test against New Zealand, starting September 22 as he is recovering from Chikungunya, an infection caused by infected mosquitoes.

India's chief coach Anil Kumble intimated the media persons on Tuesday.

"Ishant Sharma is recovering from Chikungunya and will not be available for the first Test match. We have not asked for any replacement and will choose our first XI from the available 14," chief coach Anil Kumble said.

In the absence of Ishant, India have pace options in Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammad Shami and Umesh Yadav.

Ishant is the most experienced of India's four pacers with 209 wickets from 72 Tests.

This is the first fitness related issue that India have faced in the lead-up to the Test series. On the other hand, NZ are already missing the services of Tim Southee and Jimmy Neesham.

NZ coach Mike Hesson had informed that Neesham will miss the first test due to a rib injury. Neesham was struck with a ball in the nets.

The Blacks Caps also lost strike bowler Tim Southee for the series with an injured ankle, calling in Matt Henry as a replacement.