India’s team manager Lalchand Rajput confirmed that Ganguly was fit and added that the left-hander would be “available for the match” to be played on Friday.

Similarly, Australian media manager Philip Pope too said that “Ponting should be available for selection.”

Both players were at Thursday’s net sessions and while Ganguly spent a good 30 minutes knocking the ball, Ponting was busy loosening himself after a relatively longer break.

The Australian team has received a further boost with the arrival of Nathan Bracken. Bracken arrived late on Tuesday night and was with the team during their practice session. However, whether the left-arm medium-pacer will replace either Brett Lee or Mitchell Johnson wasn’t confirmed.

India too haven’t decided on who to rest so that Ganguly finds a place. Robin Uthappa, who replaced Ganguly in the Kochi one-dayer, fired a 30-ball 41 which now suggests that Gautam Gambhir, out for just seven in the last match, might sit out.

India’s biggest problem, though, happens to be the fact that two off-spinners in the team haven’t helped their cause. Ramesh Powar and Harbhajan Singh, both gave away runs at close to seven and six runs per over, respectively, but more than that have not offered a variety to the attack.

In such a scenario, the team might also be looking to walk in with an extra batsman and look forward to Ganguly playing a role with the ball too along with Tendulkar and Yuvraj to support Harbhajan.

REWINDMODE

• The one and the only match that was played at this venue was between India and South Africa on November 16, 2005. South Africa defeated India by five wickets in that match.

• Put in to bat after South Africa won the toss, India managed to reach 249 for the loss of nine wickets in their stipulated 50 overs. Yuvraj Singh scored a magnificent 103 while Irfan Pathan (46) and Harbhajan Singh (37 no) were the other notable scorers.

• In reply, South Africa powered by an unbeaten 68 by Jacques Kallis reached 252 for the loss of just five wickets in 48.5 overs. Graeme Smith (48), Ashwell Prince (46) and Justin Kemp (46 not out) were the other notable scorers for the winners.