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Bowling options hit by injuries

Nandita Sridhar

Sehwag makes it on the basis of recent Test form

File photo: V. Ganesan

LUCKY BREAK: Despite low-key performances against Australia, Wasim Jaffer still finds a place in the Indian team. —

Chennai: John Gloster’s roster of injuries in the Indian squad reduced India’s bowling options to three pace bowlers and possibly two spinners, should Harbhajan Singh fail his fitness test ahead of the three-Test series against South Africa which begins in Chennai on March 26.

The middle-order wears a comforting look of familiarity, giving the batting unit stability — a crucial element for a home series.

Ishant Sharma’s absence from the first Test’s squad denies the pace attack skill and momentum. As equipped as S. Sreesanth, R.P. Singh and Irfan Pathan are to deliver, Ishant brings in a great deal of freshness and a multi-dimensional feel to the Indian attack.

India’s spin-bowling options would have to be worked out after Harbhajan’s fitness test. The off-spinner will be the automatic choice with Anil Kumble to stifle the South Africans on compliant pitches. The inexperienced Piyush Chawla’s inclusion as a second spinner could force Kumble into looking at a more prominent bowling role for Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar.

India’s batting concern over the last few months has been on the opening slots, often left to the improvisation of non-specialists in order to meet the demands of team balance. The specialists haven’t done their cause much good.

Jaffer again

Wasim Jaffer finds himself in the squad, despite averaging 8.16 in the three Tests in Australia. Notwithstanding the listless Pakistan attack and familiar Indian featherbeds, an average of 63 against Pakistan which featured a double hundred, helped his cause.

Jaffer was troubled by Brett Lee in Australia and will be tested by Dale Steyn’s virulent speed and swing.

Virender Sehwag makes it on the basis of recent Test form and the ability to blitz away upfront. The Indian openers seem thin on partnerships when compared to South Africa’s openers — Graeme Smith and Neil McKenzie — who’re coming off a World-record stand. The Indian openers have the ability, if not the partnerships to justify it.

The unlikely option of the host going in with five bowlers could push Pathan up the order. Gautam Gambhir, with impeccable one-day credentials, is unlucky to miss out. Should Jaffer fail in the first two Tests it would be difficult to ignore Gambhir for the final Test.

Dhoni’s fitness

The possibility of M. S. Dhoni missing out on the basis of fitness is the other concern for India. Dinesh Karthik is an adept replacement, but Dhoni’s is an unmatched persona, as is his adaptable batting style. On pitches that demand less of his technique, Yuvraj has his best chance to regain his Test form; but forsaking Dravid’s utility at No. 3 to accommodate him would be ill-advised.

Crucially, no changes have been made based on form, which is a sign of a team on the rise. One would have to back the in-form Indians in the home series; but the South Africans adapted well to the requirements of playing in the sub-continent, with convincing wins over Pakistan and Bangladesh. Both teams have the momentum going for them, which should make for an engaging series.

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