Yuvraj disappointed to
miss Test series

Dashing batsman Yuvraj Singh, who was one of the architects of India's sensational victory over England in the NatWest Tri-Series final at Lord's last Saturday, expressed disappointment at having to miss the upcoming four-match Test series against England because of injury.

Speaking to news persons in Mumbai, after arriving from England on Wednesday night, the Punjab batsman said, "I was looking forward to the Test series as I wanted to make a mark in the longer version of the game as well, but when I chipped a bone in the little finger during the final I was disappointed."

Yuvraj, who was originally selected for the triangular series only, came close being included in the Indian Test team following his stupendous performance with the bat, but was forced to return home after sustaining the injury.

Mohammad Kaif and Dinesh Mongia, two other youngsters in the One-Day team who impressed in the triangular tournament, were asked by the Board of Control for Cricket in India to stay back in England and play in the team's first class tour matches.

"I guess I will have to take it in my stride, as injuries are part and parcel of a sportsman's career," he said.

Speaking about the final, which India won by two wickets, he said: "We got a jolt when Sachin [Tendulkar] got out and were reduced to 146 for five. However, Mohammed Kaif and I were positive that we could get the target if we played sensibly.

"Our main task was to rebuild the innings. We ran our singles and twos pretty hard and once we had put on 50 runs, we could accelerate quite comfortably.

"Of course, I felt very bad not to have played till the end, but at the same time, I had to go for my shots as the run-rate required was seven-plus."

Asked about the reaction in the dressing room, Yuvraj replied: "Skipper Sourav Ganguly was very happy. In fact, it felt very good to be appreciated by senior members like Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sourav, because the faith they had on us [the youngsters] paid off at last."

About his future plans, the 20-year old said: "It will take two to three weeks to recover completely and I would like to be fit for the Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka in the second week of September.

"I've been given a training schedule by the team physio and I'll be working on that."

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