Sadagopan Ramesh suffering back strain

Indian opening batsman Sadagopan Ramesh has strained his back but should be fit for the second test against Zimbabwe starting on Friday, coach John Wright said on Tuesday.

"Ramesh strained his back and sat out today's fitness session," Wright said.

"He should be fine to play but we didn't want to take any chances. He'll be getting physio and then we'll reassess the situation tomorrow."

Ramesh is under pressure from fellow opener Hemang Badani after a few mediocre performances, having scored two and 17 in the first test in Bulawayo, which India won by eight wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Badani scored 112 not out and 35 not out in India's second warm-up match against a CFX Academy side 10 days ago.

Zimbabwe fast bowler Henry Olonga is likely to miss the second test because of a hamstring strain, which appears more serious than initially thought.

Olonga was unable to bowl in the Indian second innings in the first test. He is expected to be replaced by Travis Friend.

But Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak should be able to play after sitting out the Indian second innings in the first test with a knee problem.

"The swelling has come down and I should be fit," Streak told Reuters.

"I will bowl on Wednesday for the first time since the first innings and I'm sure I'll be 100 percent."

Mail Cricket Editor