Mithun Replaces Kumar As Irfan Pathan Earns Recall

Mithun Replaces Kumar As Irfan Pathan Earns Recall

Abhimanyu Mithun has been named as Praveen Kumar's replacement in India's Test squad

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Fast bowler Abhimanyu Mithun has been named as Praveen Kumar's replacement in India's Test squad to play Australia in December and January.

Meanwhile all-rounder Irfan Pathan has been called up to replace Umesh Yadav in India's One-Day International squad for the final two matches against the West Indies in Indore and Chennai.

Kumar will miss the four-match series in Australia with a fractured rib and Mithun, who has played four Tests, also took his place in the ODI series, which India currently lead 2-1.

His absence leaves the squad short of experience although Zaheer Khan is set to join the squad if he proves his fitness in the Ranji Trophy prior to departure.

The Indian board (BCCI) has also confirmed that seven players - Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Ishant Sharma, Pragyan Ojha, Yadav and Wriddhiman Saha will depart for Australia on 8th December, ahead of their team-mates.

The opening match begins on 26th December in Melbourne.

Pathan last played for India in 2009 and was a favourite among Indian fans to replace Kumar to tour Australia but will instead join up with the squad for the ODIs as India aim for a series win against the West Indies.

India Test squad: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Virender Sehwag (vice-captain), Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Wriddhiman Saha, Ajinkya Rahane, Ishant Sharma, Zaheer Khan (subject to fitness), Abhimanyu Mithun, Umesh Yadav, Varun Aaron, Pragyan Ojha, Ravichandran Ashwin

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