Bhuvneshwar Kumar continues to be in doubt for the ICC Cricket World Cup match against South Africa, but there is more not-so-good news for India, with Proteas king Dale Steyn fit and raring to have a go at the batsmen.
India have been struggling with the fitness of Bhuvneshwar for pretty much the entire Australia tour, and while the team continue to stress that all 15 players are fit and available for the match against South Africa, the swing bowler's training stints would suggest otherwise.
Again, on Thursday, Bhuvneshwar hardly had a bowl, just a few deliveries in the nets, while not playing an outfield part in the football warm-ups. That would suggest Bhuvneshwar is still a way from 100 percent for the match on Sunday, meaning MS Dhoni is likely to go with the same five bowlers from their win over Pakistan.
That might have been the case anyway, with the bowlers doing pretty well in the biggest game of them all. Mohammad Shami bowled with pace and accuracy, while Umesh Yadav, despite being a little wayward, picked up crucial wickets.
Mohit Sharma, a late replacement in the 15 for the injured Ishant Sharma, did a splendid job as well, bowling to his field and keeping those runs down, while also picking up a couple of wickets.
Dhoni would have been as happy as he has been for a while with that performance from his bowlers, but he will also know the South Africa batsmen will pose a much bigger threat. However, confidence should be high amongst the bowlers, as R Ashwin also looked pretty good last Sunday.
Ravindra Jadeja was not at his best, but that should not worry the skipper too much, although there were a few eyebrows raised as the all-rounder had a bit of ice-pack treatment after the training session on Thursday. While the ice was applied on Jadeja's knee, India opener Shikhar Dhawan had the cold treatment to his shoulder.
However, an official with the team insisted there was nothing to worry about, and it was just precautionary as they were coming from injuries.
With India looking likely to go in with the same XI for their second World Cup match, doubts reigned over Steyn's availability for South Africa, with the pace bowler unable to train earlier this week owing to illness.
However, those fears were quickly blown out with Steyn coming into training on Thursday looking fit as a fiddle and bowling a few corkers in practice.
South Africa coach Russell Domingo confirmed his spearhead would face off against India at the MCG. "He is fine, there is nothing to be concerned about," he said.
So, a full strength team looks likely for both sides and that means it will be all about which big player(s) steps up come matchday in front of 80,000-90,000-odd fans.
Expected lineups: India: Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Mohammad Shami, Mohit Sharma, Umesh Yadav.
South Africa: Qunton De Kock, Hashim Amla, Faf Du Plessis, AB De Villiers, David Miller, JP Duminy, Farhaan Behardien, Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Imran Tahir.
