Nehra set to replace Agarkar

Delhi left-arm seamer Ashish Nehra is likely to be preferred over Ajit Agarkar for the third medium pacer's slot in the first Test against Zimbabwe beginning in Bulawayo on Thursday.

Nehra, who last played for India in an Asian Test Championship match in Colombo in 1999, will get this break on the basis of his impressive performance in the tour-opener against Zimbabwe A in Mutare, according to team sources. Nehra had figures of three for 43 in that match.

Nehra bowled a good line and produced enough bounce and movement on a placid pitch at Mutare and has a tendency to skid the ball on the pitch, the sources said.

Nehra could also help to the team in another way. His big foot landing on the wicket in his follow-through could mean off spinner Harbhajan Singh may be able to exploit the rough bowling from the other end.

On the other hand, Agarkar failed to trouble even the schoolboy side of the CFX Academy in the second tour match and does not have a very good record in Tests. In nine matches, the Mumbai seamer has taken only 23 wickets at an average of 36.43. His best figures are three for 43 against Australia in Adelaide in 1999-2000. His much-talked about batting abilities have also come under doubt after he recorded seven ducks in a row against the Aussies in the last two series against them.