NEW DELHI, 10 December 2005 — A decision on whether Indian opener Virender Sehwag will play in the second Test against Sri Lanka will not be made until just before the start of the match today. The Delhi batsman was admitted to a city hospital on Thursday evening suffering from fever and a throat infection and has been advised by doctors not to play.
“Sehwag is going to come back from the hospital to the team hotel in the evening,” Indian media manager, M. Baladitya told Reuters.
Captain Rahul Dravid also missed yesterday’s practice session due to fever while batsman Mohammad Kaif is nursing a stomach problem but both players are expected to be available for selection. “Rahul had throat infection, but he is fine. He came for the team meeting in the evening,” Baladitya said.
Middle-order batsman Yuvraj Singh is the likely replacement for Sehwag if he is ruled out for his home test.
“I’m worried, but not distressed,” India coach Greg Chappell told reporters. “Lots of the players, including myself have done well when we have not been 100 percent.” Although the rain-hit first Test was drawn, it was Sri Lanka who dominated in the four sessions of play possible.
Frontline paceman Chaminda Vaas grabbed four wickets to skittle India for 167 runs, their lowest score against the islanders. Middle order batsman Mahela Jayawardene then hit a fluent 71 as Sri Lanka reached 168 for four.
“It was a wake-up call,” Chappell said. “It’s a blessing in disguise.
“It took us out of the one-day mould and into the test match mould. We’re not going to panic,” Chappell said. “It’s a blessing in disguise.” India had thrashed Sri Lanka 6-1 and drawn 2-2 against South Africa in consecutive one-day series going into the Tests.
Chappell hoped Sachin Tendulkar would score a world record 35th Test hundred in Delhi to surpass compatriot Sunil Gavaskar.
The Mumbai batsman made a scratchy 22 from 126 balls in Madras.
“He’s not far away from being in very good form. If we get good batting conditions, he will do that,” Chappell said, although the coach was aware the impending landmark could be weighing down Tendulkar.
“You can’t escape it. We have spoken about it and he is aware he has to focus on the innings.
“He will be more relaxed once he finishes it. I hope he finishes it here.” Tendulkar will equal Gavaskar’s 125 Test appearances today. Only Kapil Dev (131) has played more Tests for India.
