Manoj Tiwary replaces Rohit in ODI squad

Manoj Tiwary, the Bengal batsman, has been named as the replacement for Rohit Sharma in India's ODI squad in England. Rohit fractured his right index finger during the first ODI in Durham and has been ruled out of the remainder of the series.

India are also waiting on the fitness of Sachin Tendulkar, who missed the first ODI because of an aggravation of an old toe injury. He is scheduled to visit a surgeon in London on September 5.

Tiwary has played three ODIs for India, the last two being in the West Indies in June, when he made only 2 and 22. Since then, however, Tiwary travelled to Australia for the Emerging Players Tournament, in which he scored 188 in a three-day match against New Zealand A and 59 against Australia Institute of Sport. He also made 45 not out and 36 in two Twenty20 matches on that tour.

Tiwary said he wanted to carry on his rich vein of form from that tournament. "When you are in good form, you need to cash in on the opportunities that are provided to you," Tiwary told PTI. "For me, the Emerging Players Tour in Australia was a big confidence-booster and I would like to carry my good form to England.

"I think my 188 against New Zealand A was one of my best innings. The ball did seam around and I batted confidently. I have been on A tours before but thanks to coach Bharath Arun who let me bat at my preferred No. 4 slot, which did my confidence a world of good."

It has been a tough tour for India so far, losing 4-0 in the Tests and the solitary Twenty20 match as well. "That's a big challenge for me," Tiwary said. "If I have to cement my place then I have to score in a pressure scenario."