The third and final test of India vs South Africa starts at Kanpur on Friday. This is a ‘do or die’ match for the host side following their humiliating defeat in the second test in Ahmedabad. So, India must win this test to level the series. However, Indian captain Anil Kumble is doubtful for this crucial test as he is yet to recover from his groin injury which he sustained during the first test.
Reports have it that the Kanpur wicket would be spinner friendly as it does not have any grass and Indian captain also admitted that with the game progresses the wicket would help the spinners.
Reuters reported:
"Not yet fully (recovered)," a tense Kumble told reporters on Thursday. "I have to wait till tomorrow morning and make a call."
"There has been lot of talk on the pitch. It looks like a dry surface and it should assist spin as the game progresses.
If Anil Kumble cannot take part in this test, then leg spinner Piyush Chawla and/or off spinner Ramesh Powar are expected get into the final eleven to join Harbhajan Singh. Pacer Ishant Sharma is likely to come back in the side with this test.
It is sad to read that it may be cancel the last test due to bad pitch conditions
Posted by: Vineet Kumar | April 17, 2008 1:59 PM | Permalink to Comment