Harbhajan making rapid progress

India's ace off-spinner Harbhajan Singh is making rapid progress and is expected to make his return in the second Test at Port of Spain, Trinidad, starting on April 19.

"He is responding to treatment well and I am hopeful he would be fit for the second Test," Indian team manager Gautam Dasgupta said, at the end of the third day's play in the first Test in Georgetown on Saturday.

Harbhajan Singh was ruled out of the first Test after he developed a rotator cuff problem on his right shoulder during the three-day tour opener against Guyana Board President's XI.

The bowler himself is also hopeful his injury worry would be a thing of the past, come the second Test.

"I am going through treatment through electrical vibrator on my shoulder," said Harbhajan. "Besides, Andrew (Leipus, team physio) is giving his routine treatment."

Harbhajan continues to take part in team's practice sessions, before and after the day's play in this Test, and feels no discomfort in his shoulder.

At the end of the third day's play, coach John Wright, helped by Sachin Tendulkar, gave sustained practice to the tailenders to help them in their technique against short- pitched bowling.

Tendulkar particularly paid attention to Javagal Srinath, a capable tailend batsman whose batting has fallen apart in recent times.

Mail Cricket Editor