Perth wicket arouses selection dilemma for India

Perth, Jan 14 (UNI) The pace and bounce at WACA is enough to put team India under serious dilemma whether to go with two spinners or to leave out Harbhajan Singh and accomodate a pacer in the side for the third Test that starts from January 16.

Gary Kirsten, team India's consultant for the tour who will take over as coach from March 1, revealed that it would be tough to rule out the off-spinner for the Perth Test. He said the spinner is in great form with the ball and his late order batting is also an asset to the team.

''He's been very much involved in the last week,'' he said.

''The thing that I enjoyed was his batting performance in Sydney. We've identified that it's very important that members of the lower order make a contribution with the bat and he did that in the Test,'' former South African opener added.

However, Kirsten was still unsure about whether Harbhajan will be included in the playing XI. ''I'm not sure,'' he said.

''History says that two spinners are unlikely at the WACA but Harbhajan is one of our strengths. We might look to play him but I certainly haven't discussed it with them.'' Kirsten is expected to stay with the team for the next two Tests and will assist the team to prepare for the one-day tri-series that follows.

''I have a few commitments with the Warriors franchise in Eastern cape in South Africa. I need to go back to spend some time with them. It hasn't been discussed yet but there is a chance of returning for the second half of the one-day series,'' he said.

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