Parthiv won146;t be blooded yet

Contrary to speculations, India8217;s diminutive second wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel will not be blooded in the second Test against England at Trent Bridge this week as regular Ajay Ratra gets a fresh lease of life.

The 17-year-old Patel was sent ahead of Ratra in India8217;s innings against Worcestershire last week and was even the first choice with the gloves when the home team batted on the final day on Saturday sparking speculation that he may be capped at Trent Bridge.

But Patel was bowled for six after facing a dozen deliveries and even though Ratra managed still less 8212; four runs 8212; the latter would retain his place on the strength of his hundred against the West Indies recently, according to team sources. India has chosen and discarded wicketkeepers with indecent haste in recent times and the head roll list of Sameer Dighe, Vijay Dahiya and Deep Dasgupta, seems to be growing all the time. Patel, even more baby-faced and smaller than what Sachin Tendulkar was at his debut in late 808217;s, has had a fast forward career since he first donned the gloves at the age of 10.