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Final call on Kumble, Ishant on Thursday
Harish Kotian in Ahmedabad
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April 02, 2008 13:50 IST

India captain Anil Kumble and pacer Ishant Sharma's fitness status will be assessed on Thursday morning before a call is taken on their inclusion for the second Test against South Africa in Ahmedabad.

"We will just have to wait. We have some more time before the Test match so we will take a final call tomorrow morning," the Indian captain said on Wednesday on the eve of the second Test.

Kumble, who is recovering from a right elbow injury, said he was feeling much better, but his availability for the match would depend on a fitness test on Thursday morning, just hours before the game.

Similarly, the inclusion of pace bowler Ishant would be subject to him clearing the fitness test. The Delhi speedster was ruled of the first Test after sustaining a toe injury during the CB tri-series in Australia.

India are already missing batting ace Sachin Tendulkar because of a groin injury and his place in the squad was taken by Mohammad Kaif.

VVS Laxman is likely to bat at number four and Yuvraj Singh could get yet another chance to prove himself in Tests.

However, India are looking to bring in all-rounder Irfan Pathan in Tendulkar's place thereby going in with five bowlers to counter the South African line-up on another batting-friendly wicket.

The Indian captain said whatever combination they come up with, India are capable of putting up a good show in the second Test.

"I think whatever combination we have, we have potential and quality to do the job. We have worked out some plans to ensure that we put pressure on South Africa and hopefully we will get the right result," he said.

Kumble also believes that South Africa's ploy of trying to nail down Virender Sehwag with short deliveries may not work.

"I think he is a good enough batsman to handle. He scored 319 runs in his last innings and he is capable of handling whatever comes his way," the leggie said.



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