Uthappa, R P Singh set to play final ODI

Chittagong, May 14 (UNI) Robin Uthappa and R P Singh are set to play for the first time in the series in place of injured Sreeshanth and Zaheer Khan when the visitors, already 2-0 up, take on Bangladesh in the final ODI at the Chitagong Divisional Stadium tomorow.

Announcing this here today fter some indoor practice as it rained all morning, Indian Skipper Rahul Dravid said, ''Robin and R P Singh are sure to get a game tomorrow.'' ''Sreesanth is not fit completely. He is under constant monitoring. But he is improving. We don't want to risk him now as there is the Test series ahead of us. We want him fit and fresh for the Tests,'' Dravid said.

He said it was the same idea why Zaheer Khan was given rest in the final ODI.

''Zaheer also has a test series ahead. We want to give him a break and keep him fresh for the series. These two are the mainstay of Indian bowling attack and we want to use them with care,'' Rahul said.

He also informed that Uthappa would come at number three and M S Dhoni will bat down the order. ''Dhoni has a lot to do in the Tests and we want him to come down the order,'' he said, without specifying which other player from the playing eleven would sit it out.

Asked why did he come so low down the order, he said, ''I have always felt that Yuvraj Singh should be batting up the order. He should be given more balls to play. Besides I need to take more responsibility coming down the order.'' ''However, in case of seaming wickets I will surely move up the order,'' he added.

Does that mean there was complacency in the side having won the series 2-0 already? Rahul said, ''Our target is to win the series 3-0. So we will play hard and go for a win. It has not come easily either for us. It was not a walk in the park. We had to fight for our victory and we know we have to play hard tomorrow to win. We have no false notions.'' ''Besides all the 14 players picked for the series are part of a good strong team. So we are fielding a strong side tomorrow and one that is focused and intent on winning,'' he added.

On Ravi Shastri saying there would be no mercy, he said, ''He meant that we are focused on ourselves. We want to play well. We will play to our potential. He was not commenting on Bangladesh and besides the hosts are playing good solid cricket. We have to give credit to them at the way they are playing.'' UNI