Williams to open in first Test

Captain Sourav Ganguly on Thursday confirmed that Connor Williams will open the innings for India in the first Test against South Africa, starting on Saturday at Bloemfontein, despite the Baroda left-hander not getting a single ball to face since joining the team.

After the three-day match against South Africa 'A' -- the only practice game ahead of the Test -- was washed out due to rain, there was speculation that vice-captain Rahul Dravid would opening the innings, as Williams, who is yest to play a Test, was short of the vital big-match practice.

Dravid, meanwhile, reiterated that he is fully fit for the match and the discovery of a rupture on his shoulder cartilege has not dented his focus.

The Indians, who reached Bloemfontein on Thursday morning, headed straight for the ground for a practice session. They had their first look at the pitch, which has a fair bit of grass on it, and were generally satisfied with it.

Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India said Dravid has been cleared to play in the three-Test series.

"We have got the medical report from the team management and Dravid has been cleared for the Test series," BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya told reporters in Calcutta.

Dalmiya said the medical report did not present such a "bad picture" and the Indian vice-captain is, therefore, cleared for the series.

"He does not have a rotator cuff injury," he clarified.

Dravid was diagnosed as suffering from a rupture in his shoulder cartilege when he underwent a medical check up in Cape Town under the supervision of Dr Joe de Beer.

India's tour of South Africa : Complete coverage

Mail Cricket Editor