Chopra standing by (19 May 1999)

19 May 1999

Chopra standing by

Richard Bright

An early inspection of Grace Road will determine whether Indian all-rounder Nikhil Chopra is given the chance to ply his off-spin in today's World Cup Group A match against Zimbabwe.

India's captain Mohammad Azharuddin said the wicket looked quite green and that a low-scoring match was likely.

Bobby Simpson, the former Australian coach who has been advising India for six months, said the players were upbeat despite the four-wicket loss to South Africa at Hove on Saturday. "They know that they had a good chance and that they did not bowl as well as they could," he said.

Head coach Anshuman Gaekwad said Sachin Tendulkar would continue as opener and Azharuddin said it was vital for India to step up their run rate.

Leicestershire's ground is likely to be packed with Indian supporters and India's tour officials said measures had been taken to prevent a repeat of incidents at Hove, when players were jostled as they left the field.

India are confident their batsmen can exploit a Zimbabwe bowling attack that is primarily medium pace. Most of their batsmen appear in good form, with Saurav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid cracking 97 and 54 respectively against South Africa.

But Zimbabwe, who beat Kenya in their opening game, are quietly confident. Of the last 10 matches between the two, India have won five, Zimbabwe four and one has been tied.

Zimbabwe seamer Eddo Brandes, overlooked for the opening game, is set for a recall after an extended workout in the nets at Grace Road.

The 36-year-old chicken farmer, who has played 57 one-day internationals, is likely to join Neil Johnson, Heath Streak and Mpumelelo Mbangwa or Henry Olonga in the bowling line-up.

Source :: Electronic Telegraph (https://www.telegraph.co.uk)