Ganguly hints at yet another opening issue

Though Ganguly didn’t explain his plan, it seems to be connected with his fitness. Coming in lower down will mean facing the slower bowlers, requiring more stretching than when facing the quicks.

So is he fit for the match? ‘‘I’m ready to take the fitness test’’, he said. ‘‘But if you personally ask me whether I am fit, I am confident that I can play on November 13.’’

BCCI officials in Kolkata were unable to say when the test would be conducted. Leipus was scheduled to arrive in town today and conduct the test but there was no information of his arrival till late in the evening.

What does he make of Inzamam-ul Haq’s forecast that Pakistan will beat India for the fourth consecutive time? Not much, apparently. ‘‘The matches at Amsterdam and England were played under different circumstances. I am sure that the team will be in an upbeat mood after the recent win against Australia. And the conditions at the Eden Gardens are similar to those we encountered in Pakistan. So it will be a different ball game altogether.’’

Meanwhile, the city is gearing up for the match, the first time in five years that Pakistan will play in India. Approximately 150 guests are expected from Pakistan. Among them will be Imran Khan, his first visit to the city since 1989. BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya said Imran would be coming from Hong Kong.

BOOKIES BACK PAK

If it’s India-Pakistan, can the bookies be far away? Betting on the match is on in full swing in Kolkata, expected to touch Rs 5 crore, with Pakistan the favourites to win. They command a rate of Rs 100:175 while the bets on India are Rs 100: 230. So with an investment of Rs 100 one can earn Rs 175 if Pakistan wins and Rs 230 if it’s India.