Kumble, Ganguly, Dravid, Laxman declared fit for SA series

Skipper Anil Kumble and veteran teammates Rahul Dravid, V V S Laxman and Sourav Ganguly were declared fit for the upcoming Test series against South Africa starting on March 26 in Chennai.

Skipper Anil Kumble and veteran teammates Rahul Dravid, V V S Laxman and Sourav Ganguly were declared fit for the upcoming Test series against South Africa starting on March 26 in Chennai.

Pacemen Rudra Pratap Singh and V R V Singh also passed the fitness test at the National Cricket Academy but Rajasthan bowler Pankaj Singh was advised rest for three weeks.

Pankaj, who suffered a back strain in Australia, has now developed a hip strain. He was put through the three hour-long fitness assessment by trainer Paul Chapman and physio Paul Close, under the watchful eye of NCA Director of coaching Dav Whatmore.

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Each of the six players, who were later declared fit, underwent a medical examination, beep test, body strengthening and fielding practice.

Ganguly, who was in good batting form in Australia, took the test on Saturday morning after arriving on Friday night. Media men and sports lovers were waiting for three hours to get a glimpse of the former captain.

The findings of the tests were sent by the NCA to the BCCI on Saturday.

The BCCI had instructed all players who featured in the Test series in Australia but not in the tri-series that followed to undergo the fitness tests.

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Hitherto, injured players were tested by Dr Anant Joshi and after they are given specific advice for recovery, the players used to collect a certificate of fitness from their personal physician and forwarded the same to the BCCI.