Date:14/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/14/stories/2008031461372500.htm

Sport - Cricket

‘Kumble will lead against South Africa’

Special Correspondent

Mumbai: Anil Kumble will lead the Indian team in the three-Test home series against South Africa. “Of course, Anil will lead the team,” said Dilip Vengsarkar, Chairman of the national selection committee before leaving for Bangalore for the All Star Series inter-zonal competition for the Deodhar Trophy.

Kumble was retained captain for the four-Test series in Australia after the home Test series against Pakistan.

Kumble, who has 604 wickets from 125 Tests, will be felicitated by the BCCI before the first Test. He and coach Gary Kirsten will attend the selection committee meeting (March 17 at Bangalore) that will pick the Indian team for the first two Tests to be played at Chennai and Ahmedabad.

Kumble was in Mumbai recently to interact with Kirsten and the BCCI officials and plan for the home series against South Africa.

The cricketing fraternity has appreciated his leadership and the committee may appoint him captain until the away series in Sri Lanka.