Nehra unlikely to play Tests against New Zealand

With just over three weeks to go before India's first Test against New Zealand, question-marks continue to hang over the fitness levels of Ashish Nehra. While Nehra himself is confident that he will recover completely from the ankle injury which has forced him out of action since the World Cup, the Indian board officials are not so sure.

Speaking to rediff.com, Nehra insisted: "We will have to watch how my injury heals, but I am sure to be fit for the series against New Zealand." SK Nair, the BCCI secretary, however, stated that Nehra remained a doubt for the Test series, and might only regain full fitness before the triangular one-day tournament, which also features Australia and starts on October 23. Nair and Brijesh Patel, the chairman of the selection committee, quoted Andrew Leipus, the team physiotherapist, as saying that Nehra would not be ready for the Tests. "According to Leipus, Nehra is not fit to take part in the Test series against New Zealand," said Patel.

Nehra underwent surgery on his ankle in April, and has only recently started bowling in the nets.

Wisden comment by S Rajesh
If Nehra is indeed ruled out, it will surely be a blow to India's seam attack, but the Indian team management would be well advised to take a conservative approach with his fitness. More than the home series against New Zealand, it is vital that Nehra be part of the Indian line-up for the tour of Australia. Running in on the hard surfaces of Australia will surely put plenty of strain on the ankle, and it is easy to visualise a half-fit Nehra breaking down again. Easing him back with a few one-dayers and some domestic games could well be in the best interest both of Nehra and the Indian team.