Dravid rested, Tendulkar to lead

Sachin Tendulkar will lead the Indian team against England Lions after Rahul Dravid today pulled out of their three-day warm-up game with a calf injury. Dravid, who suffered the injury during the four-day tour-opener against county champions Sussex, opted to take rest ahead of the first Test beginning at Lord8217;s from July 19. The Indian captain had not done any fielding practice in the last three days but the team management played down the injury, saying it was not serious. Tendulkar, who was appointed the vice-captain but had not taken part in the opening warm-up match, will now have the additional responsibility of leading the side.

The Indians have also left out veteran spinner Anil Kumble, opener Gautam Gambhir and paceman Rudra Pratap Singh from the 12 shortlisted for the game. It will also be the first match for Sourav Ganguly, who also sat out of the first game. Paceman Ranadeb Bose, who is in the the 12, is likely to be left out from the playing XI. Tendulkar and Ganguly8217;s return will bolster the Indian batting.