The Hindu : Sport : Injured Tiwary may miss ODI series

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Wednesday, May 09, 2007
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Injured Tiwary may miss ODI series

Vijay Lokapally

GEARING UP: Indian captain Rahul Dravid at a practice session ahead of the series against Bangladesh that begins on Thursday. — Photo: AFP

DHAKA: He had come prepared for the obvious questions and it was simply another routine day in the office for Rahul Dravid. He was precise in his remarks and used the platform to back the youngsters in the side. His first interaction with the media at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium here was smooth.

There was praise for Manoj Tiwary and Piyush Chawla. "They're exciting talent," he said.

"On tours like this some will make their debut and some might not. There are players with a long-term future and this is like a long-term investment.

"Tiwary is one of the highest scorers in domestic cricket and Chawla has been groomed as a leg-spinner for the future for a while now. It is part of a long process," he added.

Important series

Dravid acknowledged that it was an important series. "Every international series is significant irrespective of what happened in the past.

"We want to do well here. Bangladesh had done well in the past against us in Trinidad and against South Africa. Our aim is to play good and hard cricket here and show that we can also play that brand of cricket.''

The India skipper gave credit to Bangladesh for having improved as an international side. "They have a young side and that is a positive for them. They have done well with this side in the World Cup as well. We also have a few young players. But obviously it is good for Bangladesh cricket that a lot of young guys are coming through.''

Element of caution

Having handled pressure on far bigger stages, Dravid looked at the forthcoming series with an element of caution.

"I don't know if this is a more difficult assignment or a less difficult one. Whenever I turned out for India, I have given my best and it has been a great challenge for me to do well. I don't view it as any less or more difficult. I am viewing it as a chance to play some good cricket after what was a disappointing World Cup," he said.

Dravid's reading of the pitch was straight. "I had a quick look at the wicket. There are still 24 hours before the match, but it looks pretty hard with a little bit of grass on it. Probably the track will keep a bit lower as the match goes on," he said.

Bad news

Meanwhile, Tiwary suffered a shoulder injury during a fielding session, practically ruling him out of the one-day series.

Tiwary was immediately sent for investigations (MRI and X-Rays) and following tests his arm was put in a sling. He has been asked to refrain from activity for five to seven days.

"His condition will be reassessed once the symptoms have subsided. After this an overall plan and timeframe can be fully ascertained,'' said the BCCI Secretary, Niranjan Shah.

A replacement will be called, only if needed, in consultation with Dilip Vengsarkar, Chairman senior selection committee, once he reaches Dhaka.

Itinerary

ODIs: May 10 & 12 (Mirpur); May 15 (Chittagong). Tests: May 18-22 (Chittagong); May 25- 29 (Mirpur).

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