Nagpur: All-rounder Ajit Agarkar, who scored a brilliant 95 in the first One-dayer, would continue to bat at number three position in the second One-day tie against West Indies on Friday, Indian captain Saurav Ganguly said on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters here before the Indians had their net practice, Ganguly said, "I had this (sending Agarkar one drop) on my mind for some time and decided to try it out in the last match.

"Full credit should go to Agarkar for the way he played during that innings. All his shots were cricketing shots and he phased his innings pretty well. but he bowled a full toss off the last ball of the innings, which was promptly disposed to the boundary by Ramnaresh Sarwan with the West Indians still needing three runs," Ganguly said.

"I don't think you can hold anything against Ajit alone as we did not bowl well at all as team," he added.

Speaking about the newly laid Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) pitch, Ganguly said it is a good wicket and ideal for an One-day match.

When asked whether his poor batting form was a cause of concern for the team, the stylish left-hander said, "I need to score runs and I hope I will get a big score over here."

Ganguly, who has highest individual score of 130 not out and the best bowling figures of four for 21 on this ground, said there were no fitness worries in the Indian camp.

Though 17-year-old wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel was flown-in this morning as a first stand-bye for vice-captain Rahul Dravid, who suffered from cramps during the Jamshedpur tie. Dravid also has a stiff back which might make keeping wickets a bit difficult.

"We will not announce the playing 11 now as we would like to see how Dravid shapes up during the nets and then we will have a team meeting before declaring the team tomorrow," Ganguly said.

Ganguly's opening partner Virender Sehwag, who has a sore throat, came to the ground but did not practice with the team.

Sehwag said before leaving for his hotel room that he was feeling a bit feverish but would be fit for Friday's match after a good rest today.

When asked about the team's progress especially with the World Cup slated for early next year in South Africa, Ganguly said, "The team is shaping up well and I am confident of forming a good team for the World Cup."

On strike bowler Javagal Srinath's on-and-off appearances in the One-dayers, Ganguly said, "I would like to repeat that Srinath was not dropped for the first match but he was only rested."

Extras:
Once bitten... India may play Srinath, Bangar
'I would've a result on field than drawing room'
Thatscricket Special: West Indies Quest of India