Dada backs India to draw series

Zaheer Khan ruled out for the last two Tests and ODIs to follow is a major blow for India at this juncture. But former India captain Sourav Ganguly still believes that India can stage a comeback and level the series 2-2.

According to Ganguly, the other Indian bowlers will bridge the gap and help the visitors draw the four-match Test series 2-2. "No doubt, Zaheer ruling out is a huge blow. He will need surgery and will be out of action for a few months. But at the same time it's the big opportunity for the youngsters to make a mark in his absence," Ganguly said.

"Two Test matches are yet to be played and I expect India to bounce back and draw the series 2-2. It is a big challenge for the team which now will not have the services of Zaheer. But they still can do it," he said.

Zaheer had limped off the pitch following a hamstring strain after bowling 13.3 overs on the opening day of the Lord's Test on July 21. England had taken a 2-0 lead in the series after winning at Lord's and Trent Bridge back-to-back.

The third (commencing Wednesday) and fourth (August 18-22) Tests will be played at Edgbaston and the Oval.
The one-off Twenty20 match is scheduled on August 31 followed by five one-dayers from September 3-16.

Ganguly also showered praise on Mahendra Singh Dhoni for withdrawing his appeal and allow Ian Bell to bat on after the controversial run-out during the last Test at Trent Bridge. "Dhoni is a good captain and a good human being too," Ganguly said.