Munaf http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Huzefa-Mohammed-Patel-c63657 likely to miss 1st Test against West Indies - Cricket News Update
India’s key bowler in the Caribbean tour, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MM-Patel-c1987, is likely to miss the first Test against West Indies due to fitness issues.
The first Test of the three-match series is set to be played at Sabina Park in Jamaica from June 20 to June 24, 2011.
While, the Gujarat-born pacer earlier missed the 5th One Day International (ODI) on Thursday, June 16, 2011, the team management did not reveal any reason behind Munaf’s exclusion from the playing XI for the last game.
Despite losing the last two ODIs, the Indian team won the series 3-2.
Team India came to the Caribbean tour with some http://www.senore.com/Cricket/V-Sehwag-c2739 from the
tour.
Yet, the Men in Blue continued their ruthless http://www.senore.com/Cricket/March-c74391 in the 50-over format and thrashed the Caribbean Kings in the first three ODIs of the five-match series. However, the side lost its way later, suffering two consecutive losses in the last two matches.
Without Munaf, the Indian side tasted a bitter seven-wicket defeat in the 5th ODI as the visitors failed to defend a decent total of 251.
With http://www.senore.com/Cricket/S-Sreesanth-c2398 already unavailable to play the Test series following their injuries, Munaf’s omission will be a huge blow for the tourists.
The 27-year-old fast bowler has served http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760 tour are impressive as he grabbed eight wickets in three games.
Although, the chances of Munaf’s participation in the crucial first Test are not very bright, the coach, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Duncan-Andrew-Gwynne-Fletcher-c54742 is hopeful that the paceman will be able to gain his fitness before the start of play.
"Patel should be fit for selection for the Test," said Fletcher.
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