Hamstrung Zaheer Khan tells MiD DAY that he feels better but sources say his chances for Trent Bridge Test don't look bright

Zaheer Khan, who strained his hamstring on Day One of the opening Test against England on Thursday didn't stick around and sulk in the hallowed dressing room of the Lord's Cricket Ground all day.


Zaheer Khan takes a stroll around the boundary rope during second
day of the first Test at Lord's yesterday. Pic/AFP

He was at the gymnasium of the Marylebone Cricket Club indoor school yesterday afternoon with trainer Ramji Srinivasan. It is learnt that he worked out on an exercise bicycle. "I feel better," Zaheer told MiD DAY. Asked whether there was any hope of bowling in the second innings, he said, "let's see how it goes."

The India spearhead did not limp while on his way out of the indoor school, but his body language could not be called great. MiD DAY learnt that the left-arm quick will not bowl in the second innings. "You cannot take any risk whatsoever with a hamstring injury, so bowling in the second innings is out of the question," said a source.
The second Test in Trent Bridge (July 29 to August 2) is too close on the heels of the Lord's Test, so there is a big question mark over his chances for that battle too.

It would be a travesty if Zaheer doesn't make it for the Trent Bridge Test because the wicket there will suit him probably more than Lord's where he has taken two wickets before retiring to the dressing room. It can be recalled that he almost single-handedly bowled India to victory in the 2007 Test there after which India won the series with the next and final Test at the Oval ending up drawn.

Zaheer's absence is a big blow for sure, but India can find solace that they have a hungry S Sreesanth itching for an opportunity. Plus, there is Munaf Patel, who has been a much-improved bowler. Praveen Kumar's fifer in his maiden Lord's Test has added some cheer in an otherwise dull Indian camp.