Gloster awaits green light from Indian board

John Gloster is all set to take over as the new physiotherapist of the Indian team, and has indicated that he is ready to join the squad whenever required. Andrew Leipus, the former physio, had earlier resigned from the post to pursue a postgraduate course in Adelaide.

Leipus first expressed his desire to stand down during the Mumbai Test against Australia last year, and had said that he planned to leave at the end of January. Gloster, who has earlier worked with Bangladesh and Surrey, told The Indian Express: "I am more than keen to take over and will come over whenever the BCCI wants me to. If it means flying out this week, I am ready for that as well."

SK Nair, the board secretary, said that Gloster was the "first choice", and added, "We have made an offer to him. If he agrees to our terms and conditions he will take charge. We are hoping to get a response in the next couple of days."

The NKP Salve Challenger Trophy - the annual one-day tournament played between India, India A and India B - is scheduled to be held in Mumbai from February 7, and Gloster is expected to join the squad by then.