Suresh Raina’s axing a bit harsh: VVS Laxman
Suresh Raina’s axing a bit harsh: VVS Laxman
VVS Laxman was all in praise of the bold, imaginative selections for India’s tour of Australia starting January 12, 2016 at Perth © IANS[/caption] VVS Laxman has called the axing of Suresh Raina from the One-Day International (ODI) squad in India’s upcoming tour of Australia “a bit harsh”. Laxman told CricketCountry: “I have always felt Raina was an excellent ODI and T20I player. It is very difficult to come at No. 6 and play the big shots straight away without having the time to get your eye in. Raina is wonderful player, a match winner and his record speaks for him. I’m sure he will bounce back strongly; he has a lot to contribute to India's future in the shorter version of the game.” FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: India vs Australia 2015-16, 1st ODI at Perth However, Laxman was all in praise of the bold, imaginative selections for India’s tour of Australia starting January 12, 2016 at Perth saying that it's good that they are already started their planning for the next World Cup. Rishi Dhawan and Brainder Sran have got call-ups, while Gurkeerat Singh has been retained. All three are yet to play international cricket. The selectors have also given Manish Pandey a chance, thanks to his excellent show in domestic cricket; a fit Mohammed Shami is back, as is an in-form Ravindra Jadeja. Of Sran, Laxman said: “I have not seen a lot of Sran, but I have heard a lot about him especially from his Punjab captain Harbhajan Singh. He is tall, and hit's the deck hard. The fact that he is a left-arm bowler is always an advantage, given the angle he creates and adds to the variation in the bowling line up. He is also a useful batsman, and has been rightly rewarded for a decent domestic season. I am sure the experience of touring Australia will help him.”