MS Dhoni survives injury scare ahead of 3rd ODI

Ranchi: India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Friday survived an injury scare when a rising delivery hit his right thumb during the team`s practice session on the eve of the third one-dayer against England here.

However, the team management said he was fit and there was no danger to Dhoni, who is all set to lead Team India at his home ground amidst the local fans, who are eagerly waiting to see the city`s favourite son in action on Saturday. "He is perfectly alright. He does not even need to have an X-ray, scan or anything. There is no danger at all," Satish, Indian team manager (logistics), told reporters here on Friday. At the nets on Friday, Dhoni even bowled and batted for about 10 minutes before being hit by a rising delivery from Indian bowling coach Joe Dawes. The skipper did not bat again after being hit at the nets and was seen applying ice packs and watching the proceedings from the dressing room balcony. "He stopped practising as it was just for icing. All 15 are fit for selection," Satish said, quelling any speculation about the availability. The newly-built JSCA International Stadium Complex in the South-Western fringes about 15 kms away, will host the first International match tomorrow as the cricket fever has soared to dizzying heights with local `king` Dhoni leading the side. The World Cup winning skipper has an aura about himself in these parts, what Sourav Ganguly has in Kolkata. Even an excited Dhoni has said he was looking forward to play at home, as there is little doubt over his availability for the third ODI. "200 per cent I`m looking forward to it (playing at home). It`s a big thing for me," the Ranchi-born wicketkeeper batsman, who has so far played 216 ODIs since making his debut in 2004 in Bangladesh, had said after their series levelling (1-1) victory in Kochi. PTI