Dhoni to join squad before first Test

MS Dhoni is set to join the India squad on December 5 but his participation in the Adelaide Test is not a certainty.

Dhoni had been rested for the first Test of the tour - originally scheduled to start on December 4 in Brisbane - due to a thumb injury and was expected to join the squad after the game. However, the dates of three of the four Tests were revised following the death of Phillip Hughes in Sydney last week. Adelaide will now host the first Test from December 9, while the second Test will be played in Brisbane from December 17.

BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel confirmed Dhoni will join the squad in Adelaide well in time for the Test but didn't elaborate on his selection for the match. "Dhoni will reach Australia as per schedule," Patel told ESPNcricinfo. "Whether he will play [the first Test] will entirely depend on the team management, as is the case for every match."

It is understood that Dhoni could opt out of the Adelaide Test to acclimatize himself with conditions. In that case, Virat Kohli will lead India with Wriddhiman Saha keeping wicket.