BCCI to send Test specialists early to South Africa

The Board of Control for Cricket in India is keen to send Test specialists, including seasoned fast bowler Zaheer Khan, to South Africa earlier than scheduled for acclimatisation if logistics work out in its favour.

"We are trying to send not only Zaheer but all others in the Test squad too who are not part of the ODI team early to South Africa. The issue is logistics over the number of available hotel rooms," BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel said.

Zaheer Khan, opener Murali Vijay, one-down batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, reserve wicket keeper Wridhiman Saha and left arm spinner Pragyan Ojha are part of only the Test squad picked by the selection committee on November 25.

"Zaheer will leave one or two days later," informed Mumbai Cricket Association's secretary Nitin Dalal, making it clear that the left arm pace bowler would not be available for champions Mumbai's subsequent league games in Ranji Trophy.

The ODI squad comprises 16 members, including limited overs specialists Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Mohit Sharma and Amit Mishra, while the Test team is made up of 17 players.

The ODI squad is set to depart from Mumbai on December 1 night. The ODI series commences on December 5 ends with the third and final game on December 11 followed by the two-Test series from December 18 to 30.

Image: Zaheer Khan

Photograph: Hamish Blair/Getty Images