India to rotate players for BD ODIs

Published December 23, 2004

CHITTAGONG, Dec 22: India plan to rotate players during their three one-day matches against Bangladesh, starting on Thursday, in preparation for next year's home series against Pakistan.

India, World Cup finalists in 2003, have struggled in limited overs cricket this year since registering a series victory in Pakistan in March. They made a first-round exit in the Champions Trophy in September.

"After we came back from Pakistan, we have not played well in one day cricket," India captain Saurav Ganguly said on Wednesday. said. "We'll make sure everyone gets an opportunity so we can ultimately decide on the best possible 14 when we play Pakistan.

"We'll swap around senior members like myself, Sehwag, Sachin, Rahul, Zaheer and Harbhajan," he said. "We'll probably rotate the guys who are new in the squad." Two uncapped players, wicket keeper Mahendra Dhoni and all rounder Joginder Sharma are in the side while left-handed batsmen Dinesh Mongia, Sridharan Sriram and fast bowler Ajit Agarkar have been recalled.

India go into the one-dayers having had off spinner Harbhajan Singh reported for a suspect bowling action for his "doosra" delivery but coach John Wright said it would not affect his players.

"It seems to be one of those things that is part and parcel of the game these days," he said. "The mood hasn't changed, Harbhajan is as usual and we're pretty relaxed."

Harbhajan, who was also reported for a suspect action in 1998 and took corrective steps under England spinner Fred Titmus, will be scrutinised by biomechanics experts over the next six weeks.

India won both the Tests by an innings but Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore was hopeful his players would be inspired by young Mohammad Ashraful's superb 158 not out in the second match in Chittagong.

"If we can take Ashraful's 100 as an example I think we can make a fresh start in the ODIs," What more told reporters. Dhaka will host the last two one-day games on Dec 26 and 27. -Reuters

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