Aug. 1: Trailing in the series and in desperate search of a win to draw their first series here since 1997, the Indians had an extended, three-hour practice session here on Sunday. The compulsory nets saw the team undergo specific fielding drills with emphasis laid on slip catching. Suresh Raina was the new induction the slip cordon as he took a good amount of catches along with the specialists, V.V.S. Laxman and Rahul Dravid, making it virtually certain he will retain his place in the starting XI for the third Test.
The only one to miss practice was Harbhajan Singh. “He has a minor niggle and having him here was not a risk worth taking. Harbhajan is certain to play the game and he not being a part of the mix today was purely a precaution,” said coach Gary Kirsten. Gautam Gambhir who missed the second Test owing an injury on his right knee appeared comfortable during practice. Raina had a long stint as did Yuvraj Singh. Opener M. Vijay who had a fairly fruitful second Test also worked on a few areas under Kirsten’s watchful eyes. Mental conditioning coach,
Abhimanyu Mithun had an hour of bowling at one stump without a batsman under Eric Simmons while Ishant Sharma concentrated on spot bowling.