The Hindu : Sport : Indian team to be chosen on April 20

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Friday, Apr 13, 2007
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Indian team to be chosen on April 20

Mumbai: The National selectors are almost certain to pick a handful of new players for the three one-day internationals against Bangladesh, but may not change the team composition for the two-Test series.

The argument put forward by a senior Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) official is: "it's up to the selectors to pick the team, but there are a few players who have done well in the domestic tournaments and they have to be given a break in big matches.

"If they are not tried now, at least in one-day internationals, when and how will we find out about their ability to face challenges in international cricket.''

After a meeting with Dilip Vengsarkar, Chairman of the Selection Committee, the BCCI Secretary, Niranjan Shah, said the Indian team for the one-day internationals and Test series against Bangladesh would be chosen on April 20.

A little over 20 players — combined figure for the ODIs and Test matches in Bangladesh — are likely to be picked and all of them would attend a five-day camp at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata from May 2 to 6.

As has been the practice, cricket manager Ravi Shastri and captain Rahul Dravid will also attend the selection committee meeting in Mumbai. The Indian team will leave for Dhaka on May 7.

The All Star Series for the Prof. Deodhar Trophy and the zonal and all-India tournaments for the Premier Cup, both limited-overs tournaments, were held when the Indian team was in the West Indies for the World Cup.

The selectors — barring Sanjay Jagdale, who was in the West Indies — had a good look at the available talent. They will also get an opportunity to see some talented players in the All-India Twenty20 championship to be played in Ahmedabad and here from April 15 to 21.

The selectors have taken note of the performances, not merely for the future series in Bangladesh and England, but also for the first ICC Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa.

The itinerary: May 10 and 12: First and Second ODI, Mirpur; May 15: Third ODI, Chittagong; May 18 to 22: First Test, Chittagong; May 25 to 29: Second Test, Mirpur.

— Special Correspondent

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