Ashish Nehra may not play in the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup
2011 in their game against Sri Lanka due to a fractured middle finger of the
right hand. This was confirmed by the manager of the Indian side, Ranjib Biswal,
but he also added that the decision to play the Indian pace bowler will be taken
on Friday.
Nehra had suffered from his injury while fielding in their game against Pakistan
in the semi-final. Nehra was the fielder when Shahid Afridi slammed the ball
in the outfield and Nehra tried to catch the ball. Nehra had dived forward and
while the catch was taken the ball had bounced in front of him and that meant
that the finger jammed below the ball, causing the fracture.
At that time, it was interesting to see that Nehra did bowl three more overs because
the injury was to his right hand, while Nehra bowls with his left hand. However,
it will be difficult to see the Indians wanting to risk an injured Nehra in a
game as crucial as this.
The other injury issue is with Gautam Gambhir who had not fielded for
most part of the India win. He was off the field and the manager has said that
he will look to play in the final if slightly fit. However, much like Nehra,
the decision to play him will be taken on Friday.
Nehra has had an up and down tournament so far. He did not play against Bangladesh
and England before coming back in the game against South Africa. There he was
pummelled for 65 in less than nine overs and saw 16 taken off the last over to
give South Africa the game.
He was then dropped for the other games before coming back to play in the semi-final
in a surprising move.
Sri Lanka also have two injury issues. Muthiah Muralitharan and Angelo Mathews
have both not been in the best of fitness having had issues with the foot. What
this will mean is that the Lankans will be keeping a keen eye on them, what
with Muralitharan expected to play despite his injury whereas Mathews could
be replaced. If Mathews does not play it remains to be seen who will make it
to the squad, but the best option for the side looks to be Thisara Perera.
Suraj Randiv and Chaminda Vaas have been called up as backup.
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