India will play to seal the series

Nov 29: Indian team will come out hard to wrap up the series against injury stricken Pakistan

Indian team will definitely come out in the field on Friday’s Test match with a mindset to wrap up the three match Test series in their favour against struggling Pakistan, as half of the side is either on the recovery trail or nursing an injury.

After winning the first Test at Kotla comprehensively by six wickets the momentum is certainly on India’s side but it is important for them to stay focussed and positive to seal the series victory.

Eden Garden has always been happy hunting ground for the Indians, as India had won the second Test between India and Pakistan in 2005 last time when Pakistan toured India.

Though the visitors have a 1-1 win-loss record in the six Tests played at the Eden thus far, but this time injury and illness apprehensions have forced the visitors to be on back-foot.

As far as Pakistan is concerned they will be playing to save the Test series. Misbah-ul-Haq is still struggling looks a doubtful starter. Skipper Shoaib Malik didn’t attend the net session on Wednesday following his ankle injury.

Shoaib Akhtar got a discharge from the hospital but didn’t appear 100% fit, while Pakistan received a major jolt when seamer Umar Gul, who had missed the Delhi Test with a back strain, broke down again and ruled out of the remaining series.

Gul will be sent back home for treatment and the team management has asked for a replacement to the selectors.

Malik said at the pre-match press conference. "Umar bowled at full strength yesterday," "But was feeling the pain again today and is being sent for treatment.”

“It's a crucial Test, one we have to win, and we've talked to the selectors and given them a few options. It's up to them now," added Malik.

Shoaib and Sami have not attended the morning practice session. "They both have a chest infection and are under treatment. They have recovered a little, but we'll wait till tomorrow morning before we decide," said Ehsan Malik, Pakistan team’s media manager.

With Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Sami desperately trying to recover from chest infections, and Shoaib Malik, nursing a sore ankle Pakistan's hopes of levelling the series at the Eden Gardens were already looking dim.

Replying on his own condition Malik said, "I did some jogging and walked a little, but it was still hurting me as I felt quite a lot of pain. I'll have another fitness test tomorrow morning and see what happens. We're struggling, but hopefully we'll all be fit.”

The record of not losing a series on Indian soil since the 1979-80 tour is in danger. Pakistan team pulled off a great series-levelling victory at Bangalore on their previous tour of India.

But given the present scenario it’s looking pretty hard to stage any comeback in the series from the Pakistan side and all they could do is to save the Test by pulling out a draw.