Sachin Tendulkar is to play in India's latest warm-up game for the World Cup today as the Indians look to begin raising their game ahead of the tournament start on Saturday.
The batsman had been rested because of a minor niggle for Sunday's warm-up game with Australia, but he has been cleared to play against New Zealand in Chennai today.
While he will be in action, Zaheer Khan, the pace bowler, will not be as he deals with a groin strain, but he will be fit for the opening game against Bangladesh on Saturday.
The all-clear was given by MS Dhoni, the India captain, yesterday. Of Zaheer's injury, he said: "It is nothing to worry about. It is just that we want to give him rest. He will definitely play against Bangladesh."
Dhoni also made it clear he expected a more aggressive batting performance against New Zealand after Sunday's laboured 38-run win was secured by some sparkling spin bowling rather than with the bat.
"We have to pick up a bit of intensity and this will be evident on the field in the warm-up game," he said.
Having Tendulkar back in the line-up should bolster India's batting line-up, which struggled against Australia and were at one stage 138 for eight before they rallied to a total of 214 as lower-order batsmen Yusuf Pathan (32), Ravichandran Ashwin (25 out out) and Ashish Nehra (19) all batted well.
Dhoni acknowledged that they had under-performed with the bat, adding: "We needed a good partnership in the middle. But that did not happen.
"However, the lower order clicked. The score of 215 was not big but our spinners bowled very well. We want to score more runs in the warm-up and try various bowling options."
As to how he thinks his team are looking pre-tournament, with a lot of pressure on them as one of the co-hosts, Dhoni said: "As far as the team is concerned, I feel we have got a very good side.
"It is not about the kind of players we have got on paper, but what we do on field that matters at the end of the day."
Dhoni added that there will not be an automatic first eleven for the tournament, and instead the team will be judged on pitch conditions before each match.
"We have options. But the selection will depend on the condition of the wicket," he said.
Dhoni expects his side to be well tested today against the Black Caps, who have proven themselves to be consistent performers in the competition, having reached the semi-finals on five previous occasions, and are coached by John Wright, who had a five-year spell as India coach.
"New Zealand have always been a very contributive side and they always don't depend on any one particular batsman or one particular bowler to win the game," said Dhoni.
"What they need is that everyone to contribute. They are a very talented side."
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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SERIES INFO
Afghanistan v Zimbabwe, Abu Dhabi Sunshine Series
All matches at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Test series
1st Test: Zimbabwe beat Afghanistan by 10 wickets
2nd Test: Wednesday, 10 March – Sunday, 14 March
Play starts at 9.30am
T20 series
1st T20I: Wednesday, 17 March
2nd T20I: Friday, 19 March
3rd T20I: Saturday, 20 March
TV
Supporters in the UAE can watch the matches on the Rabbithole channel on YouTube
Karwaan
Producer: Ronnie Screwvala
Director: Akarsh Khurana
Starring: Irrfan Khan, Dulquer Salmaan, Mithila Palkar
Rating: 4/5
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The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
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Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
WORLD CUP FINAL
England v South Africa
Yokohama International Stadium, Tokyo
Saturday, kick-off 1pm (UAE)
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Specs
Engine: 2-litre
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 255hp
Torque: 273Nm
Price: Dh240,000
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FIXTURES
All times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Friday
Saint-Etienne v Montpellier (10.45pm)
Saturday
Monaco v Caen (7pm)
Amiens v Bordeaux (10pm)
Angers v Toulouse (10pm)
Metz v Dijon (10pm)
Nantes v Guingamp (10pm)
Rennes v Lille (10pm)
Sunday
Nice v Strasbourg (5pm)
Troyes v Lyon (7pm)
Marseille v Paris Saint-Germain (11pm)
Diriyah%20project%20at%20a%20glance
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