Second Test, Sydney: Dravid to open again, Sehwag left out
Unfazed by Rahul Dravid's flopshow in the first Test, the Indian team management today decided to persist with him as opener and leave out specialist Virender Sehwag for the second Test against Australia starting Sydney tomorrow.
Dravid, who batted at a snail's pace to total 21 runs in 180 balls in the first Test, is all set to open the innings at the SCG as well after Sehwag was once again overlooked despite skipper Anil Kumble saying that there was a "50-50" chance of the aggressive right-hander playing. Dravid's promotion to the opener's slot from the number three position has been criticised by former cricketers who feel the move cost India the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne.
Meanwhile, in what is sure to come as a blow to the visitors, Zaheer Khan has injured his ankle, bringing Irfan Pathan into the equation. Pathan is likely to make the playing XI if Zaheer fails to recover.
On the other hand, high on their empthatic 337-run win in Melbourne, the Australians have retained their playing XI. This means slinger Shaun Tait will once again warm the benches, while chinaman bowler Brad Hogg keeps his place in the side.
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