Date:22/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/22/stories/2006122204312000.htm

Sport

India may get some practice

S. Dinakar

The team-management will be keen to assess Munaf's fitness

UNDER THE SCANNER: Munaf Patel's fitness will be put to the test in the warm-up match which begins on Friday. — PHOTO: AFP

Durban: The weather continues to be cloudy in Durban. The forecast for the next few days is not heartening either.

The cricketing weather, though, has cleared significantly for Team India. The side survived a storm, so to speak, in the early stages of the tour.

Now, it is within striking distance of another moment of history — a Test series triumph in South Africa. What a turnaround!

The Indians, shot out for 91 in the second one-dayer, were booed out of Kingsmead. The side was labelled as a no-hoper, and not without reason.

The South African selection panel chief, Haroon Lorgat, in a moment too soon spoke of a 3-0 sweep by the host in the Test series. He would later go on to say, "the team (South Africa) has belittled itself."

Funny game

But this is cricket, a funny game. In this territory, surprises are no surprises really. Despite the heroics at the Wanderers, the Indians will take nothing for granted in the pivotal second Test, commencing on December 26.

Rahul Dravid's men had an extended net session, on the eve of the two-day practice game against Kwazulu Natal Invitation XI.

Since this game is of a friendly nature, the Indians will field a flexible XI. This also suggests, cricketers such as opener Gautam Gambhir, who has the horizontal bat strokes needed for these conditions, will finally receive some match practice.

Opening worries

The Indians, like the South Africans, have opening worries. Having said this, the value of Virender Sehwag's second innings 29-ball 33 at the Wanderers, that took some pressure off the later batsmen, went largely unrecognised in a low-scoring duel.

But cameos alone won't suffice in Test cricket. The opener needs to build an innings. Sehwag is still, without question, an influential batsman.

Wasim Jaffer is not picking the line as well as he should. Resultantly his footwork has been tentative and he has struggled against lateral movement. A more positive approach could be just right for this right-hander.

The team-management will be keen to assess Munaf Patel's fitness. The lanky paceman's off-stump line, change of pace, and the ability to achieve two-way swing could prove priceless at Kingsmead. Munaf's strained ankle has definitely improved, but his match fitness will be put to the test.

Big question

Now, to the big question — will Irfan Pathan figure in the second Test? Considering his batting form, there are whispers that he might be in contention for a top order slot; the left-armer's swing could be a handy additional option at Kingsmead.

Pathan's bowling will be under scrutiny in the practice game.

Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh will get an opportunity to slip into a rhythm, and Dinesh Karthik's refined batting methods will once again be on view...weather permitting.