Zaheer and Kumble show positive signs

Zaheer Khan and Anil Kumble are showing positive signs of returning to full fitness. Zaheer bowled in a practice match at MIG Club in Mumbai while Kumble expressed satisfaction with his rehabilitation program.

The Secretary of the BCCI, Mr SK Nair, has said that Zaheer is fit. "I have come to know," Nair told PTI reporters, "that Zaheer has recovered from the hamstring injury, though he has not sent his fitness certificates so far."

Zaheer, who pulled out of the Australian tour due to a hamstring injury, was a bit more circumspect. He told Times News Network: "I don't have anything more to say from what I have already said at the MRF Pace Foundation last week. I want to follow the proper procedure and will speak to the press at the right moment." He will have to prove his fitness to Andrew Leipus and the selectors before the team is announced on March 3.

The practice match that Zaheer was involved in was between Mumbai Police and Maharashtra. Paras Mhambrey, the Maharashtra coach and former Indian bowler, said, "Zaheer looked okay. But he will need matches to get back into the groove." Dennis Lillie had earlier told Zaheer to cut down on his leap as that would make hm less injury-prone.

Kumble had strained his shoulder during the VB Series and has undergone a rehabilitation programs since his return. Kumble said, "I'm doing some shoulder-specific exercises at the gym. I will bowl in a couple of days to see the results. As of now, I don't see the problem to my bowling shoulder. I should also be submitting my fitness certificate soon after turning my arm at the nets. There's still time for me to do so."