Mind games before big Test

A losing eleven is never carried forward to the next venue and Anil Kumble makes a quiet return to the side. Denying that Harbhajan Singh is nursing an injury, Ganguly told The Indian Express that the reason lies elsewhere: ‘‘Harbhajan has not bowled well in the last two Tests.’’

Other than that the team remains the same — Wasim Jaffer stays, as does Ajay Ratra. But given a recent history of last-minute changes on the day of the Test, a swap or two may still be possible.

The Indians have had to make do with practice at the nets at their hotel itself, with a pre-match session at the Antigua Recreation Ground ruled out for both sides. So for now Ganguly can only conjecture about a pitch that hasn’t been used since last July. ‘‘It’s going to do a bit in the first couple of hours, and then it’s going to be a good batting surface.’’

Carl Hooper, on the other hand, appeared keen to emphasise the home side’s edge: ‘‘(After Barbados) I think we might hold the edge. Even if you look at the second innings I don’t think they batted too well. Even their key player like Sachin Tendulkar has not been batting too well.’’

‘‘It is very important for us to make sure that when we leave Antigua we are in front, but certainly not behind.’’ Hooper’s words, but those could well be Ganguly’s thoughts.