Azhar doubtful for second Test, specialists say 50-50

Former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin has a 50-50 chance to play in the second Test against South Africa to be played at Bangalore from March 2 to 6, according to the specialists here.

Speaking to this correspondent, Dr. Kinjal Suratwalla, the specialist in sports medicine said, "Azhar was not examined on Tuesday. However, there was high swelling on Monday when he was examined by Dr. Nitin Gajjar, the specialist in hand surgery".

Dr. Nitin Gajjar is attached to the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Parel. When contacted at his residence, he explained, "we have decided to assess the fitness of Azhar after seven days. It is very difficult to predict his chances in terms of percentage".

Azhar's injury does not seem to be simple. Indeed it would have led to further complications if not treated immediately. The 37-year old stylist from Hyderabad suffered the injury while playing for the Board President's XI against South Africa in Mumbai.

Dr. Pachore, attached to a hospital in Mumbai diagnosed it as nail-bed swelling on Sunday. Dr. Pachore and team-physio Andrew Leipus didn't find a fracture on the thumb and expected the recovery in 48 hours. However, since there was no sign of healing and the pain continued, Azhar himself, in consultation with the team-physio, decided to go in for a second opinion on Monday. According to Dr. Suratwalla., "Azhar can't hold the bat properly, leave aside the fielding aspect".

Accoring to sources, Mumbai's orthoscopic surgeon Anant Joshi's services could not be sought this time as has left for Germany on Saturday.

Azhar was selected to play in the first Test scheduled to commence at the Wankhede stadium on Thursday. The team for the second Test is to be selected on the fourth day i.e. Monday, and the selectors are likely to be kept informed about Azhar's fitness level though his treatment is not going to be over by that period. The doctors prefer to keep their fingers crossed now.