Brisbane: Pacer Ishant Sharma, the find of this season, will miss the second CB series final between India and Australia at Brisbane on Tuesday.
Ishant had injured the middle finger on his bowling hand during his 5th over in Sunday's match. He went on to finish the over with the wicket of Michael Clarke. X-rays suggest that there is some fluid deposit in the finger.
Ishant has been India's most successful bowler in the CB Series with 14 wickets from nine games so far.
Fortunately though India has capable medium-pacers in Sreesanth and Munaf Patel in reserve. Young Praveen Kumar has shown an ability to withstand battering from the rival ranks and Irfan Pathan's off-form the other night is seen only as a one-off situation.
The four, along with Harbhajan Singh, could answer to the call of five bowlers and leg-spinner Piyush Chawla, despite his brilliant return of none for 33 from 10 overs, could be put on bench.
Having crossed the first hurdle, India will seek a happy ending to a bitter tour by clinching their first-ever tri-series title as they go into the second finals against the world champions at the Gabba.
India, just one match away from claiming the historic feat after they won the first match of the best-of-three finals at SCG on Sunday, will be looking to carry the momentum in what promises to be another thrilling day-night encounter.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his men would be on a mission, especially after the subcontinent giants were beaten in the controversial Test series and being at the receiving end of a series of provocations by the Australian cricketers.
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