A blazing sun -- temperature soaring as high as 40 degree Celsius -- welcomed Indian and South African cricketers in Ahmedabad. Keeping the scorching conditions in mind, both teams engaged only in light practice sessions on Tuesday.

Only six Indian players turned out for practice on the day with skipper Anil Kumble, Yuvraj Singh, Irfan Pathan, Piyush Chawla and Mohammad Kaif sweating it out at the Sardar Patel Stadium.

Left-arm spinner Murali Kartik and pace bowler Ishant Sharma too were part of the net session. Kartik is recovering from an ankle injury, while Ishant is recuperating from a toe injury. Kumble, who had suffered a right groin strain during the first Test in Chennai, too underwent a fitness test under the watchful eyes of physio Paul Close and coach Gary Kirsten.

It is learned that a final call on both Kumble and Ishant will be taken on Wednesday after further tests. However, initial rounds of tests suggested that both players have been recovering fast from their respective injuries.

Both Ishant and Kumble turned their arms at the nets for nearly half an hour before spending some time with Close and Kirsten. With the Ahmedabad pitch expected to be an ally of spinners as the match progresses, India will be hoping for Kumble's quick recovery.

Yuvraj was another player who attracted as much attention during the practice session.

The Punjab left-hander is all set to replace injured Sachin Tendulkar in the second Test. The Mumbaikar had aggravated a groin injury during the Chennai Test.

The graceful southpaw spent a long while batting at the cement pitch in the practice ground, with fielding coach Robin Singh helping him in tackling the short ball.

The Proteas turned out in full number and had a training session in the morning under a less punitive sun.