Injured Ishant unlikely to bowl in third Test

Colombo, Aug 10 (UNI) Already trailing by 147 runs, India received yet another setback with its premier fast bowler Ishant Sharma unlikely to take field in the second innings against Sri Lanka here.

Ishant's uncertainty to play in the on-going deciding Test against Sri Lanka came after the lanky pacer was diagnosed with right gluteus muscle contusion and was not able to bear full weight.

Ishant broke down during Sri Lanka's first innings on the second day of the match yesterday.

''Ishant has got a right gluteus (buttocks) muscle contusion.

It has been confirmed by an MRI scan. He too is not being able to bear full-weight on that side,'' Indian team's physiotherapist Nithin Patel said in a statement today.

However, master blaster, Sachin Tendulkar, who injured his left elbow while taking a catch, would bat in India's second innings which definitely need his expertise.

Middle-order batsman VVS Laxman also received a sprain on his left ankle.

''Sachin has got a swelling in the left elbow joint and that is confirmed by an MRI scan. His elbow movements are not comfortable at present,'' the statement read.

''Laxman also performed MRI Scans and has got a left ankle sprain. He is still not able to bear full weight,'' it added.

Wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel, who got a cut on his nose from an Anil Kumble delivery, meanwhile, took the field today.

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