Badani replaces Laxman for SA ODI series

Middle order batsman V V S Laxman has pulled out of the triangular one-day series in South Africa, from October 5 to 26.

Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary Jaywant Lele said over phone from Baroda on Monday that coach John Wright had called him to say that Laxman has not recovered fully and would like to rest for some more time.

Laxman had undergone knee surgery in Australia in July after pulling out of the Test series in Sri Lanka.

"Though Laxman has not spoken to me directly, the selectors have named Hemang Badani of Tamil Nadu as his replacement in the 15-member squad for the triangular series," Lele informed.

Kenya is the third team in the triangular series.

"Other players like Sachin Tendulkar, medium-pacer Zaheer Khan, Javagal Srinath and Ashish Nehra are well on road to total recovery," Lele said.

Laxman is, however, expected to play in the three-Test series, starting from November 3.

The South Africa-bound players will be put through a fitness test by team physio Andrew Leipus and sports medicine expert Dr Anant Joshi on September 22 and 23 at the Wankhede stadium in Bombay. Lele and selection committee chairman Chandu Borde will present during the test.

Mail Cricket Editor