[M@zh@R]

Irfan, Mithun, Dinda in contention for Praveen's slot



It will be a three-way battle between Irfan Pathan, Abhimanyu Mithun and Ashok Dinda when the national selectors decide on Praveen Kumar's replacement for the four Test series against Australia starting from December 26.

According to BCCI sources, the selectors will also be looking at Umesh Yadav's replacement for the last two ODIs against West Indies as the Vidarbha speedster is all set to leave on December 8 with the first batch of players.

While Abhimanyu Mithun who has been a steady domestic performer is the frontrunner to replace Kumar, Irfan has forced his way back in the reckoning after superb show in the Ranji Trophy grabbing 21 wickets in four matches with a 7-wicket haul against Delhi.

The swinging deliveries into the right-hander is back and the seamer looked in nice rhythm although the pace may still be in the mid-120 kmph. The added advantage will certainly be his batting and experience of playing in Australia during India's last tour in 2007-08.
Newspaper:Indian Express,5th Dec