With just two days to go for the first of the cricket tri-series finals, uncertainty surrounds Indian leg spinner Anil Kumble's availability for the match.
The match-winning spinner gave himself a bowl in the nets over the last two days in Perth but he still only has an outside chance to be fit for the finals.
While some media reports said the bowler would figure in the scheme of things for India, there were contradictory comments from the team management.
Team manager Shivlal Yadav reiterated today that they were keen about the long-term prospects rather than rush Kumble into a match-situation. But some media reports quoted unnamed team sources as saying Kumble would be available for Friday's finals.
The in-form Kumble, who missed India's last two matches at Perth, has a slight tear in the rotator cuff of his bowling shoulder but is very keen to play his part in this crucial phase of his team's campaign.
In his absence, India has often opted for left-arm spinner Murali Kartik but the left-arm spinner is still coming to terms with the Australian pitches and conditions.
India's injury worry also extends to left-arm speedster Ashish Nehra who slipped while bowling his first delivery against Zimbabwe in Perth yesterday. He has a bruised leg but is expected to be fit for the finals.
© 2024 Rediff.com -