Uttar Pradesh middle order batsman Mohd Kaif will replace injured Indian team vice-captain Rahul Dravid for the remainder of the Sharjah tri-series, the Cricket Board (BCCI) announced today. "Kaif will leave for Sharjah in a day or two to replace Dravid who has suffered a fractured finger while fielding in the slips during India's last match against Zimbabwe. Dravid is expected to be out of action for two weeks and will return home immediately," board secretary Jaywant Lele informed PTI from Baroda.
"I think so," was Lele's answer to a query whether the injury meant that Dravid, one of the batting mainstays for India, will not be fit in time for the one-off test in Dhaka against Bangladesh scheduled from November 10 to 14. The test would be Bangladesh's inaugural one after being accorded full member status at the last AGM of the International Cricket Council.
Meanwhile, Anshuman Gaekwad would be persuaded to continue as the Indian team's coach till all formalities regarding the appointment of the new foreign coach are completed, Lele said. "Gaekwad has already been appointed the coach till the test match in Dhaka and will be persuaded to continue till the new coach is able to take over," he said.
Bureau Report