Back strain puts Yadav in doubt for second Test

India might miss the services of fast bowler Umesh Yadav for the second Test that starts here on Friday after the 25-year-old missed practice following discomfort in his lower-back.

According to team sources Bengal fast bowler Ashok Dinda has been called in as a cover for the injured Yadav, who took four wickets in the first Test and was effective as he attained reverse swing. Dinda was also called in as cover when Ishant Sharma suffered from a viral infection on the eve of the first Test in Ahmedabad. Dinda was eventually released from back-up duty and played in the Ranji Trophy game versus Gujarat, a match in which he took five wickets.

However, the selectors in effect had no option other than opt for Dinda, who is yet to play a Test, because up to five medium-pacers who have played Tests earlier are currently injured. RP Singh, Irfan Pathan and Munaf Patel are all suffering from knee injuries, while S Sreesanth (toe) and Praveen Kumar (elbow) are also unavailable.

Karnataka's strike bowlers R Vinay Kumar and Abhimanyu Mithun missed the last Ranji Trophy game versus Uttar Pradesh.

India have struggled to field a frontline attack in the recent past because at various times fast bowlers have either pulled out just ahead of a crucial series or during a series.

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