Looking ahead to distant battles, India is expected to field the reserve players to keep them match-fit and give their key performers a break, despite the series wrapped up with India winning both games at Bulawayo last weekend.

The seriousness was in evidence when the visitors dropped a plan to visit the Victoria Falls yesterday and flew into Harare in the morning.

The seniors, paceman Javagal Srinath in particular, is certain to get a break and Orissa seamer Debashish Mohanty is likely to be included. Even left-arm spinner Rahul Sanghvi and veteran Navjot Sidhu might make it to the playing eleven.

Sanghvi could replace Anil Kumble rather than being preferred over teenaged off-spinner Harbhajan Singh. Sidhu could be in for Saurav Ganguly, if the team management is keen to give the veteran achance.

Ganguly's fitness could have a bearing on this. Since he pulled his hamstring in the second game of the Sahara Cup series in Toronto earlier this month, Ganguly's movements on the field are tentative.

In the second one-dayer at Bulawayo on Sunday, he was averse to running full-tilt, not only during his unbeaten century but also while fielding.

Sachin Tendulkar is unlikely to be rested for tomorrow's game. Not only is the superstar in terrific form, he also likes to be in the thick of action and could have a more demoralising effect on the home bowlers, so important in view of the Test match ahead.

Besides, tomorow's game would be Tendulkar's 200th one-day international, coming in the ninth year of his international career, and a cause for celebration.

His presence would also help generate positive attention for cricket in Zimbabwe. A full house is expected not only to cheer the home side but also to watch the world's best in action.

India might experiment by promoting Robin Singh and AjitAgarkar to give them a longer batting stints.

Zimbabwe have had little going their way despite captain Alistair Campbell leading the way with two excellent fifties. Leg-spinner Paul Strang is expected to fully recover from pain in the midriff -- after soaking up a Srinath lifter -- and be fit enough to bowl.

The experienced medium-pacer Eddo Brandes, who was not fit for the first two matches is also expected to return. However, Grant Flower and Guy Whittal are yet to recover from their injuries.

Indian batsmen have been having a roaring time of late in the shorter version of the game.

Out of record stands for each wicket in one-dayers, India has four. The 252 between Ganguly and Tendulkar for the opening wicket (against Sri Lanka, Colombo, July 1998), 275 by Azharuddin and Ajay Jadeja for the fourth wicket (against Zimbabwe, Cuttack, April 1998), 223 by Azhar and Jadeja for the fifth wicket (against Sri Lanka at Colombo, August 1997) and 126 by Kapil Dev and Syed Kirmani for the ninth wicket (againstZimbabwe at Tunbridge Wells, June 1975).

The 275-run stand between Azhar and Jadeja also happens to be the world record for any wicket in one-dayers.

Teams (from)

India: Mohd Azharuddin (capt), Sachin Tendulkar, Saurav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Ajay Jadeja, Robin Singh, Nayan Mongia, Anil Kumble, Ajit Agarkar, Javagal Srinath, Debashish Mohanty, Navjot Sidhu, Harbhajan Singh and Rahul Sanghvi.

Zimbabwe:Alistair Campbell, T Madondo, Murray Goodwin, Andy Flower, Gary Brent, Craig Wishart, Craig Evans, Paul Strang, M Nkala, Mpulelo Mbangwa, Andy Whittall, John Rennie, Adam Huckle, Bryan Strang and Eddo Brandes.

Hours of play (IST):

1300 hrs-1630 hrs and 1710 hrs-2040 hrs.