The UP paceman, who has been India’s best bowler on the tour by some distance, was hit on his right thumb in the second innings of the third Test which India lost by an innings and 242 runs at Edgbaston. Writhing in pain, Praveen slammed his helmet to the ground, but went onto hit a rapid 40. He hasn’t had a scan yet but doubts continue over the availability of the right-arm bowler. In case he misses the final Test it will be the fifth instance that India would be missing a player due to injury in this series.
Munaf Patel, his possible replacement, showed more intensity in fielding than bowling on the day. The Baroda player was on target each time with his throws and fielding coach Trevor Penny appeared impressed with the paceman’s work. Ishant Sharma restricted himself to fielding drills, while spinners Amit Mishra and Pragyan Ojha had extensive bowling.
Zaheer Khan’s replacement RP Singh, with a slightly bulging midriff and a more-rounded face, hardly stretched himself while bowling in the nets. The left-arm quick, who had an impressive series last time when India came here, ran in from a few yards and barely bowled at military medium pace. The local net bowlers, though, gave some good work to Indian batsmen occasionally catching them off-guard with their pace and bounce.
Virender Sehwag may not have set the turf on fire having scored two golden ducks on his return to action in the third Test, but there was little to suggest he was brooding over his poor outings. The opener was the most jovial character on the field, even mocking Virat Kohli’s ‘unpolished’ skills while giving slip-catch practice. Sehwag, after watching the ball pass by him widely on either side, took the bat to show how it’s done.
Gautam Gambhir and Rahul Dravid had a lengthy work out as did Sachin Tendulkar. VVS Laxman had a light session while skipper MS Dhoni, seemingly back in form, targeted the stands with long heaves.