Harbhajan and Shoaib doubtful for second ODI

Just four days into the one-day series and both India and Pakistan have injury concerns ahead of the second one-dayer at Rawalpindi on February 11. Shoaib Akhtar and Harbhajan Singh, who both missed the first one-dayer at Peshawar, appeared unlikely starters while India had further worries with Sreesanth and Greg Chappell, the coach, also rendered ill-disposed.

Harbhajan, who is yet to play a one-dayer in Pakistan, had a brief knock with the bat at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and took part in fielding drills, but refrained from bowling. "Unfortunately, Harbhajan hasn't bowled today and we're monitoring the situation," Dravid said after a nets session. "We're keeping in mind the forthcoming series and need to handle the situation accordingly. It's a sort of injury where it's tough to put a finger on the time-frame of recovery. We will take a decision keeping in mind the future matches.

"Sreesanth and Chappell also aren't well. They've come down with a sore throat and are feeling feverish. We didn't want other guys getting ill as well. As a precaution we decided it's better for them to skip it."

Pakistan too may have a worry with regard to Shoaib Akhtar, whose ankle has been a worry since early December, limped off after a bowling stint during Pakistan's practice session, and was visibly in pain. His problem began during the Lahore Test against England but wasn't serious enough to stop him from playing all three games against India, though he was an unlikely starter for the Karachi Test. It was the first time in his career that he played six Tests on the trot but a need for rest, combined with the side's rotation policy, kept him out of the opening ODI. There will be an advantage of playing on his home ground and Shoaib would no doubt be raring to help Pakistan carry on the momentum.

The pitch, with a greenish tinge, might have encouraged him as well but Dravid felt that one could get a clear picture only tomorrow. "There's a bit of cut grass and it's been watered but there's still 48 hours to go and anything can happen," he said. "When we played here last more than 300 runs were scored and it could be a similar story here."

He added that India's inability to defend a big total was a concern and hinted that there may be a few changes in the bowling line-up. "We could probably do a few more things with the bowling," he said. "We have a young and inexperienced attack and are trying to improve in every game. It's tough to bowl on these conditions and we're looking to get better. Pakistan have a good batting side, they bat low down and are very effective in sub-continental conditions."

Both teams finished practice by 11:00am to avoid being held up by Muharram processions in and around Rawalpindi. The Indians had a relaxed schedule on Wednesday with a few members of the side playing some golf, while the others visited a Gurudwara near Islamabad. Pakistan had an optional net session yesterday with some players preferring to spend time in their homes.