India speedster Bhunvneshwar Kumar was seen hitting the nets ahead of India's World Cup clash against West Indies at Old Trafford. The close to full run-up bowling session by Bhuvneshwar is a big positive for India but it is uncertain whether he will be cleared for Windies match on Thursday. The 29-year-old bowled for around 30-35 minutes at the indoor nets under the watchful eyes of physio Patrick Farhart.

Bhuvneshwar started with a small four or five step run-in to the wicket before he kept increasing the run-up at regular intervals which is an indicator that the hamstring niggle has improved.

"It is indeed a positive sign as he bowled close to 30-35 minutes under Farhart's observation. It started with a small four or five step run-in to the wicket before he kept increasing the run-up at regular intervals. He was also checked on by skipper Virat Kohli during his net session. There was no visible discomfort and that is a good sign," a source told IANS.


Interestingly, Navdeep Saini had joined the Indian team at Manchester at a time when there was no fresh update on Bhuvneshwar's injury. However, BCCI sent an official message saying: "Navdeep Saini has arrived in Manchester. Navdeep is the only net bowler here and he will train with the Indian cricket team."

Speaking to IANS, sources in the know of developments said that Saini didn't come to England as a cover like Rishabh Pant. "He has joined as a net bowler and not as anybody's cover like Pant had come in as cover for Shikhar Dhawan."

After the game against Pakistan, skipper Virat Kohli had said: "Slight niggle for Bhuvi, he slipped on one of the footmarks. He's out for two -- maybe three -- games, but he should come back for us at some stage during this tournament. He is very important for us."