India net Kumble boost

/ Editor / 24 May 2007 / Leave a Comment

India star Anil Kumble has shaken off the illness that curtailed his involvement in the drawn first Test with Bangladesh in Chittagong.

The veteran leg-spinner was in the Indian starting XI for the first encounter but had to leave the field due to illness after facing just nine balls in the first innings of a match ruined by the weather.

However the 36-year-old has now recovered and skipper Rahul Dravid is pleased to have a man who has taken nearly 550 Test wickets in an amazing 17-year career back in his ranks.

"Anil is a proven match-winner in any conditions," he said. "It is very frustrating when you lose half the match to rain.

"There is little one can do about the weather but I just hope we get some good cricket in."

The hosts are not fancied to beat India in Dhaka and trade at 14 to pull off a shock victory with India on offer at 1.33 and the draw, which may come into play for Betfair customers if the rain returns, available at 4.1.

Meanwhile Bangladesh are hoping to give outgoing coach Dav Whatmore a fitting send-off and skipper Habibul Bashar revealed his troops are up for the fight, saying: "The boys are very encouraged and motivated to do well in this match."

Whatmore is tipped to become the next coach of India, replacing Aussie legend Greg Chappell, who quit after India's disastrous performance at the recent World Cup.