Laxman declared fit, may play in Asia Cup final

The middle-order batsman was on Thursday declared fit and would now be available for selection for Sunday's final against Sri Lanka.

Middle-order batsman VVS Laxman was on Thursday declared fit and would now be available for selection for Sunday's final against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup cricket tournament.

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Although the injury has not healed completely, Laxman would have no problems in playing in the final, physiotherapist Andrew Leipus said.

Laxman, who was hit in the same left knee, which had suffered an injury earlier, while batting during nets last week, would take three to four weeks to completely recover from the bad bruise, the physio said.

"But he is fit for the final. He will have no problem in discharging his duties in that game. It's been functioning all right," Leipus said.

He said Laxman, who has had a history of bad knee, was now batting with extra cushion in his pads.

"Earlier when he stretched forward, his knee was more exposed. Now he has cushioned that area in his left pad so that the knee is protected."

Laxman did not take part in the fielding drills today but jogged around the ground and did some stretching and bending exercises under the supervision of Leipus.

There was a minor scare in Indian team when Yuvraj Singh twisted his right ankle during the practice session but Leipus allayed all fears and said the Punjab left-hander would be fit for the all-important game.

"As of now, all the members of the team are available for selection. Yuvraj has a minor twist and he should be alright."