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| February 11, 2007 | Sunday | Muharram 22, 1428 |
India grapple with fitness concerns
RAJKOT (India), Feb 10: India are grappling with fitness problems just two days before selectors are due to name their World Cup squad.
Middle-order batsman Yuvraj Singh’s stiff back has frustrated in team management’s plan to get him back into form after his absence due to a knee injury in November.
Paceman Irfan Pathan’s sore shoulder has made him a doubtful starter for Sunday’s second One-day International against Sri Lanka.
Sunday's match in Rajkot provides the Indian and Sri Lankan players their last opportunity before the World Cup squads are picked on Monday – midway through the four match one-day series.
The first one-dayer on Thursday abandoned after heavy showers disrupted play in Kolkata. Sri Lanka were 102 for three when unseasonal rain caused the game to be abandoned.
Yuvraj and Pathan are both considered important to India’s chances at the World Cup, starting next month in the West Indies.
“I don’t think these niggles will hamper the World Cup selection, but it would be good if these players got the opportunity to play more matches,” captain Rahul Dravid said on Saturday.
Singh played one match during last month’s series against the West Indies on his return from the knee ligament tear during the biennial Champions Trophy, which forced him to miss India's tour of South Africa.
Out-of-form Pathan was sent back from South Africa to get his bowling rhythm back by playing in domestic matches.
“I'd rather have a few injuries now than in the World Cup,” said Dravid. “There was concern about Yuvraj's knee from which he's recovered very well. The back stress is just an irritating niggle.”
Paceman Ajit Agarkar missed the Kolkata match due to viral flu, but he bowled in the nets on Saturday and may play on Sunday.
India’s will be pleased at the recovery shown by Munaf Patel, another pace bowler who impressed on his return to the team on Thursday from a troublesome ankle.
Patel’s two-wicket burst in his seven-over spell convinced the team management and selectors that he be considered for the World Cup squad.
The focus of Indian fans during Sunday’s match will be on Virender Sehwag, who is back after being dropped from the one-dayers against the West Indies due to his dismal performance in South Africa.
Sri Lanka’s World Cup squad will also be picked on Monday, but their line-up is looking more settled.
Sri Lanka coach Tom Moody said there was just “one position in the World Cup side still to be decided.”
“We're certainly not looking at any last minute change to the way we've prepared for the World Cup. This series against India is just another chapter in that preparation,” said Moody, a former Australian Test player.
Sri Lanka rested key bowlers off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan and paceman Chaminda Vaas for this tour.—AP
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