 India will be led by VVS Laxman if Dravid (pictured) is not fit |
India captain Rahul Dravid has admitted he is only "hopeful" of being fit for the first Test against South Africa in Johannesburg from 15 December. Dravid, who broke the middle finger of his right hand in the Cape Town one-day international on November 26, says he has started batting practice.
India's top batsman said: "I would look to have at least two good batting sessions in the lead-up to the Test."
India begin a warm-up game against Rest of South Africa on Thursday.
Munaf Patel, who was sent to Johannesburg on Wednesday for further medical opinion on his sore ankle, is also struggling for fitness.
Dravid said: "Patel hasn't improved as much as we thought but there are still eight days [sic] to the first Test and we are hoping he will be alright."
VVS Laxman will captain India for the first time in a Test if Dravid is not passed fit to play at the Wanderers.
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 