New Twist

[apocalypse]

Injuries continue to hurt the Indian team in Australia. The latest on the casualty list are fast bowler RP Singh (hamstring) and ODI vice-captain Yuvraj Singh (knee). But the Indian selectors have resisted temptations to hold back either Sourav Ganguly or VVS Laxman for the forthcoming tri-series. Instead, Dilip Vengsarkar and Co continue to give the ODI team a youthful look. This, even as ODI vice-captain Yuvraj races against time to be fit for the opening match of the series on February 3. The selectors are planning to send ODI standby Manoj Tiwary as the 17th player as a back-up for Yuvraj. Before the Test series, the selectors had been given the option of sending an extra player (17th) which will be exercised now with a decision to send Tiwary. RP’s replacement could be another standby, Munaf Patel, who has just returned to active cricket with the ongoing Duleep Trophy. A final decision on the replacements will be taken on Tuesday, when the first round of Duleep matches will be completed. Sree Santh warned Taking a cue from the Harbhajan Singh fracas, the BCCI has warned fast bowler Sree Santh over his on-field and off-field behaviour in Australia. Before leaving for Australia, the quirky fast bowler was told that any misdemeanour by him could result in him being called home. ‘‘Hopefully the message has gone through. He will have to pull up, no tantrums will be tolerated,’’ said a senior official. While the ODI players reached Australia on Monday, Munaf and Tiwary are unlikely to reach Melbourne in time for the T20 international on February 1. The selectors and team management have left it to Yuvraj to come up with a final assessment on his fitness. The ODI vice-captain is confident that he will be fit for the second game, but physio John Gloster says he will be ready for the series opener on February 3. There are also murmurs about Yuvraj’s attitude. So the next 48 hours would be crucial for him. Meanwhile, it is learnt that ODI captain MS Dhoni had plumped for Munaf Patel. http://cricket.indiatimes.com/Munaf_Tiwary_set_for_Australia/articleshow/2738974.cms

[Mr. Wicket]

Hmm, Tiwari might be interesting. He looked a bit of a front foot bully in the Ranji game where I saw him playing a rather streaky knock against Sudeep Tyagi's pace and bounce. Looked uncomfortable at times, but played some good pull shots (and a couple of more uncertain ones) as well while counterattacking and trying to force Tyagi to change his length. Worth a go, still. Disappointed though that Nayar wasn't considered.