Zaheer doubtful starter for third Test

As Zaheer Khan went indoors after bowling just 19 balls on Saturday,the bleak chance of him playing the third Test,starting on Wednesday,further dimmed. He started the spell in the morning,raising hope that the pace spearhead might have fully recovered,but after a few balls it was clear that Zaheer wasnt close to match fit.

Zaheer wasnt in rhythm nor was he giving it all,besides his control over the ball too missing. The wicketkeeper twice dived on the leg side as Zaheers line wasnt right.

Since he strained his hamstring on the first day of the series at Lords,the team physio has gradually increased Zaheers workload. From taking a walk around the ground during the first and second Tests,he managed to bowl a few balls at full tilt on Saturday.

But after three overs,he called it quits. The team management is still not ruling him out of Edgbaston or the series at present,but only a miracle will see Zaheer at the top of his run-up on Wednesday.