NEWS

India-West Indies ODI Series 2007>
We have opted for the extra spinner: Dravid
23rd Jan 2007  16.43 IST
By Agencies  


India would go into the second one-dayer against the West Indies in Cuttack on Wednesday with five bowlers and a double-spin attack, paving the way for Ramesh Powar 's return at the expense of a medium pacer.

Suresh Raina , who turned out in the opening game of the series at Nagpur, has made way for pace bowling all-rounder Joginder Sharma in the 12 announced by skipper Rahul Dravid at a press conference today.

It would likely be a toss-up between S Sreesanth and Sharma for a place in the final XI for the day-night game at the Barabati Stadium where the track is expected to aid spinners.

"We have decided on the combination after looking at the condition and opted for the extra spinner," Dravid said.

The hosts' decision to go in with a four-pronged bowling attack in the opening match at Nagpur had raised a few questions after Christopher Henry Gayle and Shivnarine Chanderpaul took the frontline bowlers to the cleaners.

From the 15-member squad, apart from Raina, opener Robin Uthappa and pacer Rudra Pratap Singh would continue to sit out.

On the decision to leave out Raina, Dravid said, "we decided to give him a break as we want to play the extra spinner and extra bowler. It is more vital for us in this condition."

However, the captain praised Raina, terming him as a batsman with a bright future ahead of him. "There will be opportunities for him as he grows up".

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In-Depth Coverage: India-West Indies ODI Series 2007
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Team Page: West Indies



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