Yuvraj set to play

Yuvraj Singh had to wear a back brace in his innings of 138 in Rajkot on Friday

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Yuvraj Singh is expected to shrug off his back complaint and retain his place in India's line-up for the second one-day international against England.

The hard-hitting left-hander - man of the match in India's stunning 158-run success in the opener to the seven-match series at Rajkot on Friday - used a runner for the majority of his brilliant, unbeaten 138 off 78 balls.

He refused to rule himself out of contention for the next match at the Nehru Stadium immediately after Friday's encounter, and successfully came through a net session today to boost his chances of playing.

But India are unlikely to risk playing seamer Ishant Sharma - the man of the series in their Test series triumph over Australia, who missed the opening match with an ankle problem.

"There's been an improvement in Yuvi, but we'll be looking to rest Ishant for another game," confirmed captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

"That will give him six to seven days' rest - which should help him a lot."

With Sharma set to be rested until the third match in Kanpur on Thursday, India are likely to field an unchanged side as they attempt to secure a stranglehold on the series.

"It's a long series; we have only won one game and we have to keep going," added Dhoni.

"England have a good side and a good attack who have served them well in recent series."