Ganguly ruled out of first Test

Sourav Ganguly has been ruled out of the first Test against Pakistan due to a muscle pain sustained after a fall in the final match of the one-day series. Ganguly had been expected to be fit in time for the second Test, and had undergone physiotherapy sessions with Andrew Leipus, but he could not recover in time.

Yuvraj Singh is most likely to play in place of Ganguly, in circumstances similar to those in which he made his debut. On that occasion Ganguly had minor surgery to remove an abscess on his upper left thigh, and pulled out on the eve of the match. This gave Yuvraj his Test debut at his home ground. That was also the only instance when Rahul Dravid led India in a Test match.

"Obviously, if you are missing your captain, then you will find things a bit different," said Haroon Rashid, the Pakistan manager. "We are well aware that Sourav is a very influential member of the Indian team. He has done very well as a captain, and has the backing of the entire team. I guess Rahul will do a good job as captain, but there will be pressure on the Indians because they will miss a very key player if Sourav doesn't play here."

Ganguly's injury appeared to be very serious when he had to be carried off the field. He was attempting to stop a drive at mid-off, off the bat of Inzamam-ul- Haq. When he dived, Ganguly fell awkwardly, hitting the ground sideways and rolling over. Yet, when the game was won Ganguly walked out onto the field to celebrate with the rest of the team.