India’s tour of South Africa: Zaheer Khan confirmed for Durban, Suresh Raina doubtful
Indian captain http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mahendra-Singh-Dhoni-c73820 has confirmed that his team’s key fast bowler Zaheer Khan has been declared fit and will be playing against South Africa at the second Test match in Durban.
After India’s dismal performance in the first Test match at the Centurion, which saw the team particularly deficient in its bowling attack, Zaheer’s return should be a relief to the Indian skipper.
“It's not that Zaheer always gets wickets,” said Dhoni. “But what is good with him is, because of his experience, he comes up with new plans and changes his plans during the course of the game. We will need to see if we can make
something happen on the field.”
South African captain Graeme Smith should probably be worried about Zaheer’s comeback: Smith has been dismissed by Zaheer nine times out of 20 innings in all formats of the game. But the SA skipper has coolly expressed his lack
of concern.
"I don't personalise things too much,” said Smith. “I prepare for Zaheer the same way I prepare for everyone else. He's a new-ball bowler, I'm an opening batter, so it's a natural challenge. He has obviously bowled well to left-handers,
so it's an exciting prospect."
Meanwhile, Dhoni did seem worried about Suresh Raina’s form following his poor show with the bat in the first Test. Raina made only one run off three balls in the first innings before being caught out; in the second innings, he
made just five runs before again being caught out.
"You need a bit of experience to play under these conditions," said the skipper. "What really happens is you tour once in four-five years. The last time he came here was in 2006, and he was not part of the side. After that he played
some ODIs and T20s, which is a completely different format. With the red ball, the approach changes, the mindset changes. You need a bit of time. It always helps. I think he will get back to form soon."
Raina has made only 32 runs in his last six Test innings. Given India’s circumstances in the series at the moment, his selection for the second Test looks doubtful.
The second Test between http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 will be played on December 26 at the Kingsmead Cricket Ground in Durban.
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