The New Nation - Internet Edition

AP, Mohali

Under-fire captain Anil Kumble is facing intense pressure to retain his place in the India lineup as he waits to decide whether he's fit enough to play in the second cricket test against Australia starting Friday.

Kumble has a right shoulder injury and his place as spinner and captain has come under increased scrutiny this week following his first wicketless performance in a test in India _ the drawn series opener that ended Monday at Bangalore.

He compounded the scrutiny by writing a newspaper column criticizing the Indian media treatment of the team to "express his views as captain."

"We don't get many opportunities to do that," the 131-test veteran said. "It was not just my view, collectively the team back what I said and back me up. It's just being me."

Kumble bowled in the indoor nets Thursday but won't make a decision on his fitness until the morning of the match.

"He's under a little bit of pressure and carrying a shoulder injury as well," rival skipper Ricky Ponting said of Kumble. "He would admit he didn't bowl his best in that first game (in Bangalore), but full credit to the way our batsmen played him."

On Wednesday, Ponting said India was in a "a bit of a predicament with Anil being captain" because the pitch at Mohali was likely to assist seam bowlers and Harbhajan Singh, on form, was the pick of the spin bowlers ahead of Kumble.

"If you had to look at someone who was going to go out to make way for a quick, it would probably have to be him (Kumble)," Ponting was quoted saying in The Australian newspaper. "If they happen to drop Kumble it would probably be a long way back for him, so it will be interesting to see what they do."

When asked about Ponting's comments, Kumble said it was time to "concentrate on the cricket".

"A lot of things get spoken, but at the end of the day it is a game that is played," he said.

Kumble has the backing of India coach Gary Kirsten, who said the leg-spin bowler's selection should be assessed over the longer term and not on one test.

Another thing in Kumble's favor is his performances at the Punjab Cricket Association Ground at Mohali, where he has taken 36 wickets in seven tests, including two five-wicket hauls.

"I certainly enjoy bowling here," he said. "I've had a few landmarks here as well. We'll take a call first thing in the morning."