Agenices/Kolkata

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly called for inclusion of pacer Varun Aaron keeping in mind the fast nature of the pitch in Manchester -- the venue for the fourth Test versus England beginning August 7. “Manchester track is the fastest wicket in England. I think Varun Aaron should get a look-in,” Ganguly said as India grappled with bowling woes.
While the matchwinner of the Lord’s Test, Ishant, is already out of the next match, there’s a cloud of doubt over Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has a swollen knee. In batting too, India need some “fresh heads”, Ganguly said hinting at Gautam Gambhir’s inclusion in place of Shikhar Dhawan.
“India need some fresh heads at this stage. I’m not saying Gambhir would succeed but we need some fresh ideas. At this stage, it is anyone’s series,” he said after he began a new innings in cricket administration as CAB’s joint secretary.
Ganguly further said he’s disappointed with Bengal pacer Mohammad Shami’s lacklustre performance but disagreed that severe workload was the reason for this. “If he won’t play cricket at this age then when would he?” Ganguly asked.

No Asian Games for India
The Board of Control for Cricket in India will not field a team in the Asian Games, which will be hosted in South Korea between 19 September and 4 October.
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have entered a men’s and women’s side, but Pakistan only the latter.
“The men could be busy with other commitments, but it is perplexing to see the women’s team not playing,” ESPNcricinfo quoted former India women’s captain Diana Eduljee as saying.
“A medal at the Asian Games would have not only brought financial rewards and perks from the government to women cricketers but also given them glory and respect.
“It is another indication the BCCI isn’t really interested in running and spreading women’s cricket.”
The Asian Games will be held over the same period as the Champions League Twenty20, which will sport three Indian teams - Chennai Super Kings, Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders. The Mumbai Indians, too, will be afforded the opportunity to qualify.

Marsh’s surgery successful
Cricket Australia have given an injury update on batsman Shaun Marsh, who underwent surgery in Melbourne on the left elbow he injured during the IPL, ruling him out of cricket for the next three to four months.
CA Physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said: “Shaun had surgery on his left elbow to reconstruct the ligament and the surgeon has reported that everything went well.
“He will now wear a brace for a period of time and will then commence rehabilitation on the joint, which is anticipated will take approximately three to four months to recover.
“We believe having the surgery now will still allow him time to recover and play for Western Australia and with the view of him being fit and available for Australian duty again mid-summer.”
Marsh will remain in Melbourne for the next few days while he recuperates and swelling decreases before returning to Perth next week.