Yuvraj likely to open against Australia

Sourav Ganguly has named Yuvraj Singh as Virender Sehwag's opening partner for India's next Test series, against Australia, in October. Yuvraj, 22, will replace Aakash Chopra, who has suffered criticism for his slow scoring, for the four-match home series. "At the present moment Yuvraj is the first choice, considering the number of games he has won for us," said Ganguly.

Yuvraj, who built a reputation as a hard-hitting batsman in one-day matches, has played just four Tests in the middle order, but Ganguly is confident he has the ability to succeed in his new role. "Virender Sehwag also never used to open before, but has done amazingly well," he said. "Yuvraj has got the ability to open the innings, and a player of his stature should not be kept out of the team." In the first Test against Pakistan in March, Sehwag became the first Indian batsman to score a triple-century in Test cricket, smashing 309.

Ganguly also said he was looking forward to the return of Harbhajan Singh, who has not played since December last year, when he suffered a finger injury in the opening Test against Australia. "I am looking forward to Harbhajan's return as he is a match-winning bowler," he said. "I want him to be fit before the Australians arrive here."

Ganguly added that he was confident his team would put in a good performance against Australia and South Africa, who play a two-match series after Australia's visit. "We have been playing well as a team for the past couple of years. The boys are playing their best cricket. I hope we continue that," he said. "I do not see any reason why we cannot win."