Sreesanth out of Irani Trophy

Lakshmipathy Balaji, the right-arm fast bowler, has been included in the Rest of India squad for the Irani Trophy. He will replace Sreesanth who has been sidelined because of a toe injury, the Times of India reported.

Balaji will be making a return to first-class cricket after an abscence of more than a year due to a back injury. He played for India Green during the recenly completed Challenger Series but failed to impress. He got collared for 62 off eight overs against India Blue and conceded 68 of ten against India Red while taking four wickets in all. Therefore this call-up to the Irani Trophy gives him another chance to put in a creditable performance.

The five-day match between the Rest of India and Uttar Pradesh, last year's Ranji winners, will take place between October 9 and 13 at Nagpur.