PTI
 
Indore, Apr 15: Whether the out-of-form Virender Sehwag and Mohammad Kaif will figure in the 11 for the 7th and final one-dayer against England tomorrow remained a point of speculation with captain Rahul Dravid strongly defending the struggling duo.

Both Sehwag and Kaif have failed miserably in the series, which the hosts have already clinched by winning the first four matches, but Dravid stood by them, saying some players needed to be backed more because of their capabilities.

"Sehwag and Kaif have done well in the past. We know exactly what Sehwag is capable of and we have to get the best out of him," Dravid said today.

"Sehwag has a role in the team and the management and selectors have to pick the best team. Sometimes we need to see some players more," he said.

The Indian skipper, however, did not commit whether Sehwag and Kaif would take the field tomorrow.

However, Karnataka opener Robin Uthappa appears almost certain to earn his ODI cap in keeping with team management's policy to give youngsters a chance to test themselves at the international level.

But Dravid made it clear that winning the match was the prime objective of the team as they wanted to wrap up the series on a positive note.

"It is a huge opportunity for young guys, a good chance for them to perform at the international level. We are trying to win every match and to look at the best combination. So it is an opportunity for them to grab and play well," he said.

Indore ODI: Harbhajan may be rested

PTI

Indore:  Harbhajan Singh may be rested for the seventh and final cricket one-dayer against England here on Saturday with the off-spinner suffering a strain in his bowling arm.

The Punjab bowler, who skipped the practice session this morning, sustained the injury during the previous tie at Jamshedpur.

Skipper Rahul Dravid said Harbhajan's injury was not serious and did not rule out the bowler for tomorrow's match.

India have already clinched the seven-match series by winning the first four matches.