Azharuddin and Mongia recalled, Kartik included

A few predictable choices and some surprise inclusions. That just about sums up the Indian squad for the first Test against South Africa which was announced in Mumbai on Sunday.

It was always on the cards that Md Azharuddin and Nayan Mongia would make a comeback. So their inclusions was not a surprise. The third cricketer on the comeback trail Ajay Jadeja might have to bide his time - perhaps till the second Test at Bangalore or more likely for the one day series to follow.

Mumbai's opening batsman Wasim Jaffar, who celebrated his 22nd birthday on February 16, gets his big break. He has been among the runs for some time now and this season particularly he has been in very good form. He has an average of 78 in eight first class matches for a tally of 780 runs with a highest score of 173 not out. He has two centuries and four half centuries under his belt. He and VVS Laxman are likely to open the innings - unless the selectors decide to make Mongia double up as opening batsman. The inclusion of Md Kaif was along expected lines while the exclusion of Venkatesh Prasad was not entirely a surprise.

It is not easy to retain a place in the Test side after scoring five consecutive ducks. To that extent Ajit Agarkar is perhaps a shade lucky. But then his primary responsibility in the team - if he makes the final eleven - would be that of opening partner for Javagal Srinath. Home town advantage - the Test is being played at Mumbai - might also have been a consideration for the selectors. And on the subject of medium pacers, the inclusion of T Kumaran is to be welcomed.

The most welcome choice in the squad however is Murali Kartik. As he showed in the on going game at the Brabourne stadium, he is a left arm spin bowler of high class and it was a correct policy by the selectors not to delay his elevation. The choice of Nikhil Chopra is also to be applauded. Tagged as a one day bowler, he has enough variety to be a success in the longer version of the game too. The inclusion of Chopra and Kartik will also help keep Anil Kumble on his toes.

The squad: Sachin Tendulkar (captain), Saurav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Md Azharuddin, Nayan Mongia, VVS Laxman, Wasim Jaffer, Javagal Srinath, T Kumaran, Ajit Agarkar, Nikhil Chopra, Kartik Murali, Anil Kumble and Md Kaif.