Monday, January 29, 2007

India bring in revitalised Pathan

One-day international, Vadodara: India v West Indies
Match starts 0330 GMT Wednesday

India are set to continue their squad rotation policy for the final match of the one-day series against West Indies.

All-rounder Irfan Pathan is set to play his first game on Wednesday since being sent home from the tour to South Africa because of his poor form with the ball.

"Irfan seems to have got his bowling rhythm back," said Ian Fraser, a sports scientist working with the team.

West Indies have the momentum after winning in Madras on Saturday to cut India's lead in the series to 2-1.

A stand of 127 between Marlon Samuels (98) and skipper Brian Lara (83) was the key to a successful run chase, but Lara is looking for more from some of their other batsmen.

Chris Gayle, the star of last year's ICC Champions Trophy, has managed one half century but nothing else of note in the three games so far and Runako Morton has only scored nine runs in three innings.

They could recall all-rounder Dwayne Smith after an ineffective bowling performance by Rayad Emrit in his debut appearance.

"We have one game left and the World Cup coming up so I think this is a very crucial game for us," Lara commented.

India, meanwhile, have revealed that they plan to announce their squad for the World Cup in the Caribbean on 11 or 12 February. Before that, however, they have another four-match home series against Sri Lanka.

The selectors are still considering their options and fast bowler Munaf Patel has also been working with the squad after an undistinguished effort in the final Test in South Africa, which attracted plenty of criticism from the Board of Control.

He was watched closely in the nets by physio John Gloster, who is due to submit a report on the fitness of all World Cup hopefuls before the squad is confirmed.

"We wanted to have a look at Munaf's bowling ahead of the series against Sri Lanka," skipper Rahul Dravid explained.

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