Mongia ruled out of Madras Test

Wicketkeeper Nayan Mongia, who was hit on the nose on the concluding day of the Calcutta Test, on Thursday, has been ruled out of the third and final Test against Australia, at Madras, starting on Sunday.

Mumbai captain Samir Dighe will replace him.

Team manager Chetan Chauhan told reporters after net practice in Madras, "Dighe is being contacted to reach here [Madras] tonight."

Mongia was injured when a Harbhajan Singh delivery hit his nose, which needed a couple of stitches. Though he returned and kept wickets, there was some swelling on his nose.

Mumbai Cricket Association joint secretary Mayank Khandwala said Dighe would fly to Madras on Saturday evening after captain Sourav Ganguly called to say that the wicketkeeper-batsman should be rushed to join the team.

Mail Cricket Editor