'Sehwag’s recovery may take longer'

Virender Sehwag’s recovery from his shoulder surgery is not going as fast as it was initially hoped. The explosive batsman is not expected to join the squad in England before at least the third Test. HT reports.

Virender Sehwag’s recovery from his shoulder surgery is not going as fast as it was initially hoped. The explosive batsman is not expected to join the squad in England before at least the third Test.

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Sehwag was initially expected to miss only the first fortnight of the series, and that would have been in time to play the second Test starting in

Trent Bridge July 29. However, coach Duncan Fletcher poured cold water on such optimism on Thursday, ahead of the tour game against Somerset.

“We've heard that he’ll be over here for maybe the third and fourth Tests. We’re crossing our fingers for that,” Fletcher said.

Dhoni will miss Viru

India skipper MS Dhoni added, “As far as Sehwag is concerned, there aren't many cricketers in the world who can have the impact he can. Of course we'll miss him, but the good thing for Indian cricket is it gives a chance to a youngster like Mukund who can have a look at international cricket and see what areas he needs to improve.

“Viru will be back at some point, but it’s good to have Gautam back as well.”

Sehwag batsman underwent the surgery in London at the fag end of the IPL season.