The left-hander had had fever during the Melbourne Test from which he recovered fairly quickly, but his condition worsened during the three-day game in Canberra, in which he didn't play. The former captain recuperated in his room, with talk of a viral infection floating around though by evening, there was good news as a blood test revealed that there was no cause for concern. Ganguly has been one of the more assured batsmen on tour, and India will breathe a sigh of relief that he is almost certain to be fit to play in the third Test beginning on Wednesday. As it is, the think-tank is grappling with how to fit Virender Sehwag in, indications being that he will open alongside Wasim Jaffer. In that case, Rahul Dravid will most likely drop back to number three and VVS Laxman will bat at number six.

India are also seriously contemplating fielding Irfan Pathan as the third seamer, ahead of offie Harbhajan Singh, on a pitch far more conducive to quick bowling than spinners.

Still uncertain about whether Matthew Hayden will have fully recovered from his hamstring injury by Wednesday, Australia have called up Chris Rogers as a 'shadow player.'