Sourav may return to team for Tests

While Laxman has been recalled, one middle-order batting slot may go to Ganguly, writes Kadambari Murali.

Will Sourav Ganguly be back for the Tests? Even the South Africans were asking the question on the eve of the third one-dayer in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday. As things stand, everything points to him being recalled, whether Greg Chappell wants him or not.

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The Indian coach has made no secret of his dislike for Ganguly but given India’s string of losses and the extremely strong reaction to it in India, both political and otherwise, Chappell may not have a choice but to put a brave face and perhaps even back Ganguly if he does make the squad, which is due to be picked on Thursday.

According to selection committee sources, there is a very strong feeling that "India have no choice but to fall back on experience".

While VVS Laxman is already here, one middle-order batting slot is likely to go to Ganguly. But Tamil Nadu's prolific run-getter S Badrinath has an outside chance of edging him out.