The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Robin unlikely for SA Tests

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Wednesday, Mar 19, 2008
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Robin unlikely for SA Tests

Special Correspondent

Mumbai: Robin Singh is not likely to be part of the Indian team’s support staff for the three-Test series against South Africa. Robin has been the fielding coach of the Indian team since the tour of Bangladesh in April 2007.

The BCCI on Tuesday confirmed that Paul Close, physio at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), has been appointed for the three-Test series. The BCCI has taken the knowledgeable view of the team management that Robin Singh’s presence will be required more for a one-day international series and not for a short three-Test series.

Moreover South African Paddy Upton, who will reach Chennai on March 21, will work as a physical trainer and mental conditioning counsellor.

John Gloster (physio) and Gregory King (physical trainer) completed their employment with the BCCI in Australia. The appointment of the support staff for the Indian team is one of the items on the agenda at the Working Committee meeting to be held in Chennai on March 25. Upton’s appointment will be approved at this meeting.

The BCCI Secretary Niranjan Shah told The Hindu that the Indian team would assemble in Chennai on March 22 in preparation for the first Test set to start at Chennai on March 26 and that the BCCI would take a decision (on Robin Singh) either way in a day or two. “I will have to talk to the BCCI members and Gary Kirsten and take a decision,” said Shah.

It’s understood that Prasad will continue to be part of the Indian team as its bowling coach.

He has been largely credited for the vast improvement of the Indian seam attack that was seen in action in Australia. It appears Prasad has also been told by coach Gary Kirsten and captain Anil Kumble that he will be part of the support staff from the Chennai Test onwards.

Prasad has joined the support staff of Royal Challengers, Bangalore, for the DLF IPL Twenty20 tournament and Robin Singh has signed up with the Deccan Chronicle-owned Team Hyderabad.

The understanding between the BCCI and Prasad and Robin, in the absence of a contractual obligation, is that they will continue to be part of the team until May.

But while Prasad’s position in the support staff is certain, Robin’s looks the opposite.

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