MS Dhoni expected to join Indian squad on December 5

MS Dhoni will arrive in Australia on December 5 © kareem

According to a report in Indian Express, MS Dhoni, who missed the ODI series against Sri Lanka due to a right thumb injury is likely to join the Indian unit in Australia on December 5. Initially, Dhoni was expected to play the second Test, but with the Tests being rescheduled, there are speculations on whether Dhoni will play the first game at Adelaide, starting from December 9.

However, sources in Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) indicate that there is only a slim chance of him playing in the first Test at Adelaide. BCCI selectors are expected to discuss about Dhoni's availability on Tuesday, but the skipper himself will take the final call.

"He will be reaching on December 5 and it will take some time for Dhoni to get over from his jet lag. He will take some time to settle down, but Dhoni will take the final call once he reaches there. We have a long tour and players' fitness will be important," a top BCCI official informed.

Dhoni, however, will be unavailable for the practice game, starting on December 4 against Cricket Australia XI. It has to be remembered that Virat Kohli has already been appointed as the captain of the Indian set-up for the first Test.