Sehwag recalled for Australia series

In a surprise move, Delhi batsman Virender Sehwag was on Wednesday named in the 16-member Indian squad announced for the four-Test series against Australia beginning later this month.

Sehwag was not part of the original list of 24 probables and made it to the side in place of fellow Delhi opener Gautam Gambhir, who failed in both the innings of the third Test that concluded at Bangalore on Wednesday. He is also reported to be suffering from a sore shoulder.

"John Gloster has advised three weeks rest to Gambhir for a sore shoulder," BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah told reporters in Bangalore after announcing the squad.

Munaf Patel too missed the seat to Australia and has been advised more match practice.

"Munaf has been advised more match practice before his selection for international matched. So he will be seen in Ranji Trophy matches," Shah added.

Another surprise inclusion in the squad was rookie Rajasthan seamer Pankaj Singh. The 22-year-old has done well in the last two seasons and has India 'A' experience.

The two players who were left out of the squad that was named for the third Test against Pakistan were Punjab speedster VRV Singh and Bengal pacer Ranadeb Bose.

Shah refused to divulge any details of the selection committee meeting. He said the squad for the tri-series in February, that also includes Sri Lanka, will be announced during the end of the Test series.

The Indian team will leave for Australia on Monday, December 17. They will play a two-day tour match starting December 20. The first Test starts on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The squad: Anil Kumble (captain), M S Dhoni (vice captain), Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Yuvraj Singh, Sourav Ganguly, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, R P Singh, Ishant Sharma, Irfan Pathan, Wasim Jaffer, Virender Sehwag, Dinesh Karthik, Pankaj Singh.

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