India drop Wasim Jaffer in 4 th Test , Adelaide.
ADELAIDE, January 23: A resurgent India have dropped struggling opener Wasim Jaffer but were still undecided on whether to opt for a five-pronged bowling attack as they go into the fourth and final Test against Australia on Thursday seeking to level the four-match series.
Jaffer, who has failed in his six innings in the series so far, has been omitted from the shortlisted 12 for the crucial game which India needs to win to square the series 2-2.
Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who sat out in Perth where India recorded one of their greatest overseas victories, and wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik have been named in the 12 but the team management has decided to wait till tomorrow before finalising the playing 11.
With the Adelaide Oval expected to assist the slow bowlers on the last two days, Harbhajan stands a good chance of playing the match. The Indians also have the option of going in with a five-pronged bowling attack, in which case Karthik may have to perform the 12th man's duties. But if they stick to the conventional four-man attack, Karthik is almost certain to don the opener's role at the expense of a paceman.
"There are a few possibilities but we would like to take another look at the pitch. It (five bowlers) is an option and that is something we will definitely assess," skipper Anil Kumble said.
India's unheralded pace trio -- RP Singh, Irfan Pathan and Ishant Sharma -- were highly impressive at Perth and it will be a tough call to leave one of them out to accommodate Harbhajan.
The 72-run triumph at Perth will no doubt serve as a tonic for Anil Kumble and his men who have now proved to be worthy challengers to the champion team, which has been strengthened by the return of opener Matthew Hayden.
The Australians have also not finalised their composition but it is likely to be a choice between paceman Shaun Tait, who was far from impressive in Perth, and spinner Brad Hogg. Captain Ricky Ponting refused to divulge details about team composition and said he was still to make up his mind on whether to persist with Tait or bring back Hogg.
"We just have to toss up in our head whether the spin is the way to go or do we try and use pace with variable bounce late in the game," he said.
"I think historically spin has probably been the preferred option for the Australian team to play in most conditions around the world. But when you have someone like Taity -- it gives you lots of options but makes your decision very difficult as well," he added.
But if spin was to be Ponting's option, the Australian skipper said he would try not to put too much pressure on Hogg.
"If he does come in, it's important we make sure he is not under too much pressure because we all do know how hard it is to perform when you do feel like your spot is on the line," Ponting said.
Source:Indiatimes
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