Tour updates (-worma)

After Laxman and Yuraj also completed the customary half-century, and with Dhoni playing a typical run-a-ball cameo (would have been better if he had played longer too....but hey, lets not get too picky) Indians opted for a bowling practice in the tour match.

And on evidence so far, the Pakistan lineup, which is almost the strongest outside their test players, is also doing pretty well with 191/3 in 39 overs - wkts for Pathan(2) and Agarkar(1).

Crucially, Farhat has scored a century. With news from Pakistan camp being that they 'had' officially dumped the experimentation of opening with Malik and opted for Hameed. Only problem being, Hameed is down with typhoid now, and Malik may get a last chance, since Inzy denied the option of using Rafatullah Mohammad (why was he recalled in the team is a good question..not to be asked :-). Farhat's century may prove timely in this situation. The selectors, it seems, were in favour of playing him even before this century

"Their choices are limited and eventually Malik might again be given this responsibility as things stand," the source said. Interestingly, the national selectors are said to be pushing for the inclusion of opener Imran Farhat in the team if Yasir is not available, something they might find difficult to do before the team announcement despite the discarded left-hander's good form at the domestic level.

The selectors are expected to announce a squad of 14 for the first Test on Sunday with Wasim Bari, the chief selector, and Ehteshamuddin both being present at the Bagh-e-Jinnah Ground on Saturday for the Indians and Pakistan A tour match.