Indian news round-up

Kumble to miss Zimbabwe series, says Lele:The secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), JY Lele, said on Monday that leg spinner Anil Kumble will miss the two Tests against the visiting Zimbabwean team, slated to commence later this month, because of his shoulder injury.

Speaking to Press Trust of India from Baroda, Lele said that Kumble is yet to produce a fitness certificate to the board and in all probability would miss the first Test at Delhi (from November 18- 22) and the second at Nagpur (November 25-29). He added that the selectors will not consider anyone whose fitness is in doubt.

Kumble's fitness will be determined after a thorough check up with the South African orthopaedic surgeon Mark Fergusson. Fergusson is expected to be in Chennai later this month in connection with a medical conference.

Press Trust of India (PTI) reported that the newly appointed foreign coach of the Indian team, John Wright said on Monday that instilling the pride of playing for the country will be the top most priority in his new assignment.

Speaking to the agency in Bangalore soon after his arrival, Wright said ``Incorporating the pride of playing for the country will be my prime agenda,'' and on a cautious note added ``It's not that the players do not have it now but I expect some change in the days to come.''

On his appointment as the coach, Wright felt ``honoured and delighted to get the assignment. I am here to give the best. The rest is up to the people to decide.'' Wright also expressed delight over the Test victory over Bangladesh. He said ``It's nice to hear that India has won and I hope to continue to hear the same.''

Former Indian captain Dilip Vengsarkar is trying to expand his coaching horizons and is mulling the idea of establishing his Elf academy in Dubai. Gulf News reported that Vengsarkar is to tie up with `Insportz' an indoor sports venture in Dubai to train expatriates as well as UAE nationals.

Speaking to Gulf News, Vengsarkar said ``I would first like to see the pulse here by conducting a short term camp in December at the `Insportz,'' and added ``Eventually I would also like to coach young kids here outdoors.''

The InSportz Manager Prameela Nadkarni said ``If we get good response when the academy starts then we hope it will also serve the cause for UAE cricket by throwing up talented players.''