Bangalore: Indian pacer S. Sreesanth is likely to replace Ishant Sharma in the second Test against Australia, which is set to commence on Saturday, at the Chinnaswamy stadium.
Sharma was in severe pain during the Mohali Test and was on heavy pain killers, yet he still came up with an impressive spell in the second innings. Sreesanth is recovering from injuries which have kept him out of action for some time.
Though the Indian selectors are not very pleased with his current form, especially after giving too many runs while playing for the Board President’s XI against Australia in Chandigarh, they never doubted he would make a come back. His ability to bowl for long spells and move the ball in Bangalore conditions has gone in his favour.
However, the decision to select 18-year-old left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat from Saurashtra has been heavily criticised. Unadkat, who has never even played in Ranji Trophy matches, went straight into the Indian Test squad.
Many feel that Abhimanyu Mithun from Karnataka, who is familiar with the conditions here, should have been chosen instead. Mithun made a big impression when he toured Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, the Indian team support staff are working hard on VVS Laxman to ensure he recovers fully from his back spasm. If Laxman fails to recover in time for the Test, there are chances of promising player, Cheteshwar Pujari, taking his place.
With Gautam Gambhir too rested for the Bangalore Test due to a knee injury, Virender Sehwag may have to open the innings with Murali Vijay.
The India team enjoyed a late night celebration, after sweeping a number of awards in the International Cricket Council annual awards ceremony, and decided not to practice in the morning. Meanwhile, the Australian skipper Ricky Ponting, who was eager to practice as much as possible, arrived at the stadium with his team at 9.30am for a long practice session.
