Spin talk to dominate selection

With Yuvraj Singh almost certain to make the cut for the first Test against England at Ahmedabad, there won't be many surprises when the five selectors ufffd Sandeep Patil, Roger Binny, Vikram Rathour, Syed Saba Karim and Rajinder Singh Hans ufffd meet in Mumbai to pick the 15-member squad today

Virender Sehwag suffered a minor cut on the right ring finger while playing for Delhi against Uttar Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy yesterday. Sources in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said since he did not suffer a fracture, he should be fit for selection. Mumbai batsman Ajinkya Rahane could be the third opener and a back-up for Sehwag or his out-of-form opening partner Gautam Gambhir.u00a0

Debate expected
A lengthy debate is expected while choosing the third spinner. Ravichandran Ashwin and Pragyan Ojha will walk into the side on the back of their exploits during the last two-Test series against New Zealand, but there could be a toss-up between Uttar Pradesh leggie Piyush Chawla and veteran offie Harbhajan Singh. It is learnt that Chawla is still not fit and has skipped Uttar Pradesh’s Ranji Trophy opener against Delhi while Harbhajan’s form is far from impressive.

“In that case, the selectors may include an extra batsman with Yuvraj playing the third spinner’s role, but all depends on what Dhoni wants,” said a source.
u00a0

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!