Daily Cricket News

Zaheer to miss 2nd Test against England: Dhoni

New Delhi: India captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni confirmed that premier fast bowler Zaheer Khan who had injured his hamstring in the Lord's Test, will not participate in the second match of the series against England starting in Nottingham on Friday.

S Sreesanth who did not take part in the historic first Test at the home of cricket is likely to be the replacement for the injured Zaheer.

The left arm pacer bowled just 13.3 overs in England's first innings on day one of the Lord's Test before injuring himself, which led to him being ruled out for the remainder of the match.

Zaheer was sorely missed as Kevin Pietersen went on a score an unbeaten 202 which led to England's crushing 196 run victory in the opening fixture of the four Test series.

Dhoni said Zaheer will have to sit out of the game though he has shown huge improvement in his right hamstring strain and was expected to be fit for the third Test.

Opener Gautam Gambhir who suffered a painful blow on his arm at Lord's might also miss out on the playing eleven.

"As of now Gambhir is doubtful. We will give him some more time. It depends on the amount of pain he can go through and still perform," said Dhoni on the eve of the second Test.

Gambhir was hit on his right elbow by a sweep shot from Matt Prior in the first Test at Lord's on Sunday, and even though he came in to bat, it is believed that his elbow is still stiff and not 100 per cent fit.

Meanwhile, England paceman Chris Tremlett who is yet to recover from a stiff back and a hamstring problem is a doubtful starter for Friday's Test.

Tremlett left Thursday's practice session for treatment and could be replaced by Tim Bresnan.

"He's had a bit of a niggle with his hamstring," captain Andrew Strauss said. "We're confident he should be OK but we'll see how he is in the morning.