 Indian team management keen to have Munaf Patel
25th Dec 2007 20:59 IST
Agencies
Team India has dialled the number M which answers by the name of Munaf Patel.
In a team meeting last night, the Indian team showed sufficient concern on its fast bowling resources, in particular those of its right-hand fast bowlers, to all but forward the request to the Indian Board.
In a team meeting, it is learnt that bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad expressed his concern at the inability of India's right-arm fast bowlers to hit the right length on Australian wickets.
The right-arm fast bowlers in the touring Indian squad are youngsters Pankaj Singh and Ishant Sharma, rank rookies even though the latter grabbed five wickets in only his second Test, the final one against Pakistan in Bangalore early this month.
Three other medium-pacers in the squad are all left-arm bowlers -- Zaheer Khan, Rudra Pratap Singh and Irfan Pathan.
While Ishant has been shortlisted in the 12 for the opening match, Pankaj Singh and Pathan have been left out. Opener Virender Sehwag and wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik are the others who do not figure in the 12 shortlisted for the game.
The right length on Australian wickets is the one bowled closer to the batsmen even though visiting bowlers make the mistake of pitching it short which is meat and drink to the Australian batsmen.
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