London, Apr 9: India pace spearhead Zaheer Khan, currently out of the Indian team because of an injury, got good news from unexpected quarters as he is said to have been chosen as one of Wisden`s 2008 quintet. The nominations are to be declared in an elaborate ceremony today.

The selection honours Zaheer`s incisive quick bowling on India`s tour of England last year when he captured 18 wickets in three Tests. His lethal pace spells helped India gain a strong foothold in the series way from home, a rare feat in India's cricketing history.

In an unrelated development, disappointed with R P Singh`s ouster from the Indian team for the third Test against South Africa, domestic cricketers and fans at Kanpur were reported to be hoping that Mohammed Kaif and Piyush Chawla would be included in the Indian team for the decisive Test beginning at Green Park on 11 April.

The Uttar Pradesh Ranji Trophy coach, Mr Gyanendra Pandey, said Kaif and Chawla deserved to be in the playing XI as the duo had loads of experience of playing on the Green Park pitch.

"Green Park is Kaif and Chawla`s home ground and if they are given a chance to play here, they would come up with fine performances because they know this track inside out," Mr Pandey said, adding: "The track here has been traditionally spin friendly and if Chawla gets a chance, he would definitely prove a match winner."

The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association secretary, Mr PD Pathak, said: "R P Singh's ouster has hurt us but if any of these two (Kaif and Chawla) is given a chance, it will encourage locals fans to turn up for the match."

The Indian and South African teams arrived in Kanpur, with Kaif - taken in owing to Sachin Tendulkar`s absence - and Chawla joining the home side. Ishant Sharma and Romesh Powar arrived earlier.