New Delhi: Indian pacer Navdeep Saini said that he wasn't expecting to be called up to play for his country in the West Indies series. For the upcoming few weeks, Saini was scheduled to participate in County cricket.

Indian bowler Navdeep Saini has been recalled to the Indian Test team for the forthcoming West Indies series after originally being scheduled to play in County cricket. India's opening match in the next World Test Championship cycle, whose championship game will be held at Lord's in 2025, is scheduled to be against the West Indies. Due to the scheduling conflicting with the Test series in the West Indies, Saini, who was under contract to Worcestershire, will miss three games for the English team.

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The first Test for India will take place in Dominica from July 12 to July 16, and the second and final match will take place in Jamaica from July 20 to July 24.

India pacer Navdeep Saini has been signed by Worcestershire as their second foreign player for the forthcoming four matches through the end of July, it was revealed on Friday, June 23. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India later revealed their starting lineup, which featured Navdeep Saini.

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The 30-year-old Saini is expected to play his first game for Worcestershire against Derbyshire on Sunday at New Road.

The pacer himself was left surprised by the call-up and said that he learnt about the news after landing in the United Kingdom.

“I came here to play county (cricket), landing today itself, and the moment I got out from the airport, I received the news that I have been selected for the West Indies tour,” Saini told

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“Honestly, I was not expecting this call. Yes, during the IPL, I was training with the Dukes ball because I thought I might get picked as a net bowler or would be among the standbys for the World Test Championship final,” Saini said.

“Hopefully, I will get to play one match before going to the West Indies. It will be good preparation for me to get some overs under my belt,” he further added.

 “This will be my second tour to the West Indies. Last time I didn’t get a chance to play, but hopefully, this time I will. I know the conditions. The pitches are low and slow and similar to those back home,” Saini concluded.

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