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Harbhajan Singh made an expected return to the 14-member Indian squad for the first two Tests against Pakistan.

Murali Kartik, the left-arm spinner, was chosen as the third spin option, backing up Anil Kumble, India’s new Test captain, and Harbhajan. Gautam Gambhir, Ramesh Powar, Ranadeb Bose and Ishant Sharma were the four who missed out from the England tour. Virender Sehwag, in spite of an imposing average of 91.14 against Pakistan, will have to wait longer for a recall, as will all-rounder Irfan Pathan.

Zaheer Khan, Shanthakumaran Sreesanth and RP Singh make up the pace attack, one that had starred in India’s Test series triumph in England, the first in 21 years.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, India’s one-day and Twenty20 captain, was named vice-captain. The series begins on November 22 in Delhi, after which the teams face off in Kolkata and Bangalore.

India squad for first two Tests: 1 Dinesh Karthik, 2 Wasim Jaffer, 3 Rahul Dravid, 4 Sachin Tendulkar, 5 Sourav Ganguly, 6 VVS Laxman, 7 Mahendra Singh Dhoni (vice-captain, wicket-keeper), 8 Anil Kumble (captain), 9 Harbhajan Singh, 10 Zaheer Khan, 11 Sreesanth, 12 Yuvraj Singh, 13 RP Singh, 14 Murali Kartik.

Source:Cricket News