Badani replaces unfit Laxman for South Africa tri-series

Hyderabadi stylist and Indian middle-order batsman VVS Laxman has been replaced by Tamil Nadu southpaw Hemang Badani for the forthcoming limited overs tri-series to be played between India, South Africa and minnows Kenya in South Africa. Laxman, who underwent a knee surgery, has not recovered in time. It must be remembered that Laxman underwent arthroscopy in Sydney last month for a right knee ligament tear that caused him considerable pain at the end of the one-dayers in Sri Lanka in July.

Speaking to CricInfo shortly after receiving the news that he would be touring South Africa, Badani said, "I'm overjoyed to be going to South Africa. It gives me another chance to prove myself at the highest level." He added, "I have been going through a bad patch but am confident that it will take just one innings to come out of it."

Badani, who returned from Hyderabad to his hometown Chennai only on Sunday has been playing cricket non stop for months now. The middle order batsman admitted, "I was very disappointed when I came back from Sri Lanka but things are definitely looking up now. I have a point to prove and believe that I can do it in South Africa."

Although Laxman has proved himself beyond doubt in the Tests with his marathon match-winning knock of 281 against Australia at Kolkata he has done little to distinguish himself in the shorter version of the game. Still considered a far more valuable player in the Tests, Laxman is expected to be fully fit for the three-Test series against South Africa which begins in early November.

Speaking to Agence France Presse (AFP), board secretary Jaywant Lele said, "Coach John Wright informed me that Laxman, who underwent a knee operation in Australia recently, had not recovered completely and would like to rest for some more time." When the selectors met in Mumbai earlier they had picked standbys and Badani was immediately named as Laxman's replacement.

Badani, who had a poor series in the Test matches in Sri Lanka, failed to make a half century in six innings and averaged just over 15. Laxman's injury provides him with yet another opportunity to do justice to his ample talent.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has scheduled a fitness test for the Indian squad on the 23rd of September. Andrew Leipus, team physio, along with Dr Anant Joshi, Sachin Tendulkar's personal physician will conduct the tests at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Leggie Anil Kumble (rotator cuff injury) and Sachin Tendulkar (hairline fracture of toe) have already declared themselves fit. Others on the injured list, pacemen Javagal Srinath (fractured left hand), Ashish Nehra (groin strain) and Zaheer Khan (complained of pain in the shins) were all well on the road to recovery, added Lele.