Badrinath Drafted In To India Test Squad

Badrinath Drafted In To India Test Squad

S Badrinath is a step closer to getting another go in India's middle-order after being called up to replace VVS Laxman.

©REUTERS/Arko Datta. Picture Supplied by Action Images

S Badrinath has been called up by India as a replacement for the retired VVS Laxman in their squad for the two Test matches against New Zealand. Laxman had been included in India’s original 15-man squad, but announced his retirement from all international cricket with immediate effect yesterday.

Badrinath is 31 and his time was thought to have passed when he was overlooked for a middle-order spot following Rahul Dravid’s retirement. At the time a BCCI official said, “Not only is he (Badrinath) 30-plus, but he has been tested already (he has played two Tests for India, the last of which was in early 2010). He is a good player at domestic level but unfortunately does not seem to fit at the highest level.”

India Test squad: MS Dhoni (captain, wicket-keeper), R Ashwin, S Badrinath, Piyush Chawla, Gautam Gambhir, Zaheer Khan, Virat Kohli, Pragyan Ojha, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, Virender Sehwag, Ishant Sharma, Sachin Tendulkar, Umesh Yadav.

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