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Uncapped fast bowler Ishant Sharma will not join the Indian cricket squad for the third and final Test in South Africa, it was announced on Thursday.

Indian chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar, currently in South Africa, said in a statement that it had been decided not to summon the paceman for the final Test of the ongoing three-match series.

“Initially, he was being considered to be drafted into the Indian squad,” he said.

“However, considering his domestic schedule, it has now been decided not to have him fly down to Cape Town and instead allow him to concentrate on domestic first-class matches,” he added.

The 18-year-old Sharma was asked on Wednesday to join the squad following the return home of out-of-form fast bowler Irfan Pathan and fitness worries over paceman Munaf Patel. Patel could not play the first two Tests of the series because of an ankle injury.

India, currently playing the second Test in Durban, lead the series 1-0 following their win in the opening match in Johannesburg.

Source:The News