Great chance for Sharma, Bose - Srinath

It's a great opportunity for Ishant Sharma and Ranadeb Bose. True, their shortcomings will surface on a tour like this but then it also presents a great opportunity to improve and hone their skills. Any big series like this will have a huge impact on fast bowler's careers. It is easier for a fast bowler to succeed in English conditions than in Australia so this is an opportunity for them to step up. I am glad that the two rookie bowlers are being given a chance to settle down in Test cricket. ODIs are loaded too much in batsmen's favour and it could break a young bowler's confidence.

There are two kinds of fitness; bowling and physical. Physical fitness is not enough. You can't pick him on the assumption that the Tests are going to start after one month and he will be fit by then. We don't know. It is better he goes to domestic cricket and bowls. Bowling fitness can only be improved by bowling. There is no short remedy. Munaf should take this setback in his stride and slog it out in the domestic games. He is a good bowler and will come back.

Agarkar needs to be very careful. He is playing in only the ODIs. He has not had much match practice and going straight into the ODIs will place immense pressure on him.

They are the bowlers who have had some match practice and should shoulder the burden. In particular Zaheer and RP Singh. Sreesanth is also coming off an injury and the ODI series will hopefully help him settle down. On the other hand, It's going to be a very important tour for Singh. He bowled quite a few overs in the Test series in Bangladesh. He is in form and should grab this opportunity in Munaf's absence.