Zaheer ruling out big blow: Ganguly

The ruling out of pace spearhead Zaheer Khan from the remaining two Tests against England due to injury is a huge blow but India can still bounce back and the draw the series, feels former captain Sourav Ganguly.

Ganguly said he expects the other Indian bowlers to stand up and help India draw the four-match Test series 2-2.

"Of course, Zaheer ruling out is a huge blow. He will need surgery and will be out of action for a few months. But at the same time it's the big opportunity for the other players to make a mark in his absence," Ganguly told reporters.

"Two Test matches are yet to be played and I expect India to bounce back and draw the series 2-2. It is a big challenge for the team which now will not have the services of Zaheer. But they still can do it," said Ganguly.

Zaheer was ruled out of remainder of the tour after failing to recover from a hamstring strain and an ankle injury. He will need at least 14-16 weeks to recover. He had walked off the pitch following a hamstring strain after bowling 13.3 overs on the opening day of the first Test at Lord's on July 21.

Ganguly patted Indian team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni for recalling England batsman Ian Bell who had been run out in bizarre circumstances in the second Test at Trent Bridge.

"Dhoni is a good captain and a good human being as well," Ganguly said.

England had taken a 2-0 lead in the series after winning at Lord's and Trent Bridge. The third (August 10-14) and fourth (August 18-22) Tests will be played at Edgbaston and the Oval.