Mohammed Kaif will not be playing here tomorrow, contrary to speculation, nor is he likely to play in Jaipur. Team manager Baladitya said Kaif would take some time — another week or so — to return to the national squad. Kaif did join the nets at the PCA Stadium today but looked uncomfortable while performing routine drills like jogging and stretching. Indian physio John Gloster watched him throughout the period and made some notes on Kaif’s fitness. However, Gloster refused to commit himself on the hamstring injury, which Kaif picked up during the Challenger series here a fortnight ago. All he said was, “I have given the report to the team manager. He will give the statement on Kaif.” There was a noticeable, though slight, limp in Kaif’s stride when he attempted to sprint for 15-20 minutes. While batting too the UP star was unable to knock the ball with fluency.
