Pacer Zaheer Khan, who was under some injury doubt, is available for selection for the first Test match against England in Ahmedabad to be played next week.
"He is available for selection. He had some cramps yesterday but should be alright for the first Test against England," a source close to the Mumbai team told Rediff.com.
- England will have it tough against India
Zaheer Khan did not take the field for Mumbai at the start of the fourth and final day of their Ranji Trophy match against Railways, on Monday. His absence further fuelled speculation as to whether the veteran pacer's leg injury is more serious than "cramps".
But the source clarified that the veteran pacer was rested keeping the all-important Test match in mind. "The selectors have already been informed of his fitness status and his availability for the first Test."
-England will have it tough against India
On Sunday, Zaheer walked off the field after bowling 20.5 overs with some discomfort in his groin area.
Mumbai captain Ajit Agarkar said after the third day's play that the injury was not serious.
"He is just cramping a bit," said Agarkar.
Gaurav Jathar took the field the substitute fielder for Zaheer on day five.
Pacer Dhawal Kulkarni bowled the first over for Mumbai, while left-arm spinner Iqbal Abdulla bowled the second over.
Later in the day, the national selection committee will pick the Indian team for the first Test against England, which begins in Ahmedabad on November 15.
Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh are set to make their comeback into the Indian team, while Ishant Sharma and Suresh Raina could be retained.
© 2024 Rediff.com -