From rxpgnews.com
Injured Patel unlikely to play third ODI
By RxPG News Service,
Nov 26, 2006 - 4:38:31 AM
Cape Town, Nov 25 - India's lanky fast bowler Munaf Patel, who has an ankle injury, is likely to miss the third one-day international against South Africa here Sunday.
Patel's ankle remained sore Saturday and the team management felt it does not want to take a risk by playing a half-fit Gujarat bowler since the tour is a long one.
'We're monitoring his progress at the moment and we'll see after a couple of practice sessions in Port Elizabeth whether he's fit for that game,' captain Rahul Dravid told reporters here.
Patel's fitness will be reassessed before the fourth one-day international in Port Elizabeth Wednesday.
India trails the five-match series 0-1 after losing the second match in Durban Wednesday. Rains had washed out the first match in Johannesburg Nov 19.
Vice-captain Virender Sehwag, who missed the second ODI through a finger injury, might sit out Sunday's match too.
But Dravid did not say in clear terms whether the swashbuckling opener would indeed play.
'Viru batted in the nets yesterday, and looked very good. We are hopeful that he will be fit for selection,' was all Dravid would say Saturday.
'Obviously, it's important to see how people are on the morning of the game. But he is improving constantly and a lot better than he was in the last game.'
India will have to win this match to stay afloat in the series, as they will have to win all three remaining matches now to win the series.
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