India takes field without Kumble, expected to join squad soon

New Delhi, Nov 1 (UNI) Indian captain Anil Kumble, who received stitches on his injured left hand on day three, did not take the field against Australia on the fourth day morning of the third Test here today.

However, Kumble is expected to take the field later in the day and according to sources the spinner has recovered well and was fit to play.

The source further added that the captain could take the field anytime in the day as the injury, he received, was to his non-bowling arm.

Kumble injured the little finger of his left hand while the leg-spinner was attempting to take a catch of Matthew Hayden yesterday. The finger bled profusely and Kumble was immediately rushed to the hospital where he received 10 stiches.

Twelth man S Badrinath took the field in place of the 38-year-old Kumble, who has a brilliant record at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground where he has taken 55 wickets.

Earlier yesterday, Indian team's logistics manager Russell Radhakrishnan had said the cut that Kumble received was about an inch deep.

It may be recalled that some years ago, Kumble, during India's tour of West Indies, received an injury in his jaw but he still continued to play the Test with a bandaged face.

Kumble's injury could be a big blow to India as the home team is playing just four regular bowlers in the match including the captain himself.

UNI RAR PD PY HS1031