Cricket News: India announce 13-man squad for Sydney Test, R Ashwin doubtful

Ravichandran Ashwin's availability for the SCG Test remains a doubt as the spinner hasn't recovered completely from the groin strain he suffered in the series opener in Adelaide. He has made the cut to the 13-man squad and a decision on him will be taken on the morning of the Test on December 3.Ashwin missed the second and third Test in Perth and Melbourne, and is racing against time to try and prove his fitness for the SCG game. India will also be without Ishant Sharma, who hasn't been included in the shortlist. While it is clear that he is not fit, whether it is an injury or illness, that wasn’t confirmed by the team management at the time of naming the squad. The senior spinner Ashwin spent January 1 - an off-day for the Indian team - training alone at the SCG in order to regain full fitness. Should he fail to make the cut for SCG, India will have a big decision to make. Ashwin was primed to return to the XI in place of Rohit Sharma, who has flown back to Mumbai to be with his wife and new-born daughter. Hardik Pandya has also not been named in the squad for the final test.