Rest, home food, nets and retirement

Sun, Aug 01 10 03:37 PM

Colombo, Aug. 1 -- Ever since arriving in Sri Lanka for their seven-week tour, the Indian team has struggled with fitness concerns. Naturally, when Gautam Gambhir, Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh were "rested" for the forthcoming ODI tri-series following the Tests, doubts arose over their participation in the third Test, starting in Colombo on Tuesday. But the team management clarified that all three "will be available for selection" for the deciding rubber. While the management was "keeping a watch" on Gambhir, Tendulkar's groin injury wasn't "too serious". The selectors consulted the players to avoid "aggravation of niggles". "There are a few minor niggles and considering the non-stop cricket over the next few months, especially the World Cup, it's best to rest for a while now," Harbhajan said. Dhoni's wife cooks him a meal With India trailing in the Test series, Mahendra Singh Dhoni may not be having the best of times on the field. But, off it, it's a different matter. The newly-wed India skipper was in for a surprise on Friday night when his wife Sakshi cooked him dinner at the kitchen in the team hotel's restaurant. With a range of Indian restaurants in the Sri Lankan capital, the Indian cricketers do not miss Indian food. But can anything beat biwi ke haath ka khana, that too during the first month after wedding? Test specialists back atthe nets Saturday was expectedly a rest day for both teams. Before attending a dinner at the Indian High Commission, most of the Sri Lankan cricketers preferred to take it easy throughout the day, while some of the Indians hit the gym. But Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, it seems, just can't spend a day without knocking a few balls. The duo faced throwdowns from bowling coach Eric Simons at the Sinhalese Sports Club in the morning. Despite age catching up with them, the duo is still addicted to cricket. Mendis to retire

Mendis though will have to retire end August, as per rules.

Source: Published>