Kirsten lays hope on Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir will return to the top of Indian batting order in the third one-dayer against Sri Lanka as the in-form left hander has recovered from a stiff neck, says coach Gary Kirsten.

Gautam Gambhir will return to the top of Indian batting order in the third one-dayer against Sri Lanka as the in-form left hander has recovered from a stiff neck, coach Gary Kirsten said on Saturday.

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"Gautam Gambhir is fit to play and we are hoping he fires at the top tomorrow," Kirsten said.

Visiting pacer Zaheer Khan, who claimed four Lankan wickets in the second game, will also be fit to play tomorrow.

"Zaheer is having a niggle in his legs but he will be fit for the match," Kirsten informed.

The former South Africa opening batsman is also happy that the newcomers like Virat Kohli and S Badrinath are proving that they can deliver at the international stage.

"We are discussing various things like new comers in the team and the way they have played. It augurs well for Indian cricket. These young lads like Virat Kohli and Badrinath are able to deliver," he said.

"We saw there is a bit of grass in the wicket. But we do not know whether it will stay on. We will have a look at the wicket and decide on the combination before the match starts," he added.