New Dehi: January 1, 2008 -  India batsman Virender Sehwag has been left out of the playing eleven whereas Zaheer Khan's fitness might make him sit out as well in the second Test against Australia in Sydney on Wednesday.

Inspite of constant advices by cricket legends, India skipper Anil Kumble chose to opt out Sehwag from playing eleven.

Former Australia skipper Steve Waugh also insisted on Sehwag's inclusion in the team.

"I would keep Dravid as an opener but I would bring in Sehwag to open the batting with him. If Sehwag comes in and plays his shots, his natural way will take pressure off Dravid who can work his way back into a bit of form," said Waugh.

Former India coach John Wright had similar notions about Sehwag as an opener for the Sydney Test.

"The Indian team is best when it is playing its shots. Sehwag certainly gave us a lot of momentum on the last tour, and I don't know what form he is in but I just feel you have to be positive against Australia and put the bad ball away," Wright was quoted as saying by 'The Age'.

Australian skipper Ricky Ponting also believed India would surely bring in Virender Sehwag to build some kinds of pressure against the hosts.

"I thought long and hard about it and believe they could ring in a couple of changes-bring in Virender Sehwag to take the pressure off Rahul Dravid," Ponting said in the pre-match press conference.

Australia has made no changed to their side.

India paceman Irfan Pathan is included in the 13 man squad whereas; Pankaj Singh and Dinesh Karthik along with Virender Sehwag would sit out of the crucial match against Australia starting on Wednesday. Australia lead the series 1-0.
 

Print Version

Go Back

Applelounge Network (Website Design India, Web Design India) Sites
Astrology India | Google Sitemaps | Matrimonial | Coaching Jobs

About Us | Advertise With Us | Write for Us | Contact Us | IR Syndicate | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
Copyright © 2008 Media International Limited. All Rights Reserved.