Agarkar unlikely to play against Australia

Amsterdam, August 22: India's injury woes mounted as Ajit Agarkar, who played against Pakistan in the cricket tri-series opener, was today ruled out of the crucial second league tie against world champions Australia tomorrow because of a side strain. "Agarkar is unlikely to play in tomorrow's match. He has a side strain", team manager Gautam Dasgupta told reporters here today. The wiry pace bowler had been omitted from the squad that took part in the Asia Cup tournament in Colombo last month and played his first ODI yesterday since the VB series in Australia in January-February.

However, there was some encouraging news about off-spinner Harbhajan Singh. "He has recovered greatly and may find a place in the playing eleven," the manager added. The team had already been hit by the "tennis elbow" which ruled Sachin Tendulkar out of the entire tournament and by viral fever that had laid low Harbhajan and Ashish Nehra soon after the team's arrival here. 

Mohammed Kaif has also suffered a shoulder injury but should be able to play tomorrow. "Kaif has a shoulder strain, but he should be alright to play tomorrow," Dasgupta said. Nehra too is better today as compared to his condition two days ago, but he's still not match-fit, according to the team manager. (Agencies)

Published: Sunday, August 22, 2004

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