Pietersen’s double & Dhoni’s double role

India's Zaheer Khan leaves the field on Thursday at Lord's, and when he will be fit enough to bowl again is now under scrutiny. Photograph: Philip Brown/Reuters

Zaheer Khan has failed to take the field for the second day of the first Test and India's plans have been thrown into disarray – with the real possibility that their inspirational captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, may abandon the wicketkeeping gloves and be pressed into service as an emergency bowler.

The extent of Zaheer's hamstring injury has yet to be revealed as India remain silent on the results of the MRI scan that he underwent on Thursday evening and refuse to speculate how long their premier strike bowler is likely to be out of action.

A brief statement merely confirmed that Zaheer was under treatment for a hamstring strain and sought to paint an optimistic picture. "He may be unavailable in the first innings but is likely to be fit to bowl in the second innings," it said.

India's plight was such that Dhoni spent a prolonged session bowling in the nets, with Rahul Dravid keeping wicket. With India reduced to three fit bowlers, it is possible that Dhoni will bowl his medium pace as the day progresses.

To make matters worse, Praveen Kumar has already attracted the attention of the umpires for running on the pitch. He was forcibly withdrawn from the India attack on his debut against West Indies in Jamaica last month, a decision that sparked Indian resentment towards the Australian umpire Daryl Harper and caused Harper to refuse to stand in his farewell Test.

As much as Duncan Fletcher sought to make light of the situation, in what is his 100th Test as an international coach, he is also desperate to make an immediate impression as India's coach against the country where he made his reputation.

India have Munaf Patel and Kris Sreesanth as back-up seamers in the squad, both of whom have troubled England in the past, but their most pressing problem is how to survive the next four days. If England begin the second day powerfully, it will not be too long before their thoughts turn to a draw.

For Zaheer also to miss out in the second Test at Trent Bridge would be a particular disappointment for India. Zaheer destroyed England in Nottingham on India's last tour in 2007, picking up nine wickets as he was riled by England's horseplay after they threw jelly beans on the pitch when he was batting.