Injury forces Harbhajan out of
the first Test

Ashish Shukla in Georgetown

Indian team manager Goutam Dasgupta said off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has been ruled out of the first Test against the West Indies, starting in Georgetown, Guyana, on Thursday, due to a nagging shoulder injury.

"According to physio Andrew Leipus, Harbhajan is still not able to throw properly and hence will not be considered for the first Test," a disappointed Dasgupta said on Wednesday evening.

Pointing out that it was a recurrence of an old injury, Dasgupta said: "Leipus feels Harbhajan needs to be rested in the first Test in order to be allowed to recover."

"Leipus doesn't want to take any chances considering we still have four Tests and five one-day internationals ahead in this series, not to mention the long season ahead," he added.

Sarandeep Singh, a fellow-spinner, had been named in a 13-member squad for the opening Test, Dasgupta said.

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Mail Cricket Editor