Balaji out for two months

The Tamil Nadu seamer, who was replaced by Amit Bhandari in the Champions Trophy squad, was due to return home in the next 48 hours. His return to the team though could take longer.

Australia are to play four Tests with the first beginning in Bangalore on October 6 while South Africa are scheduled to play two Tests in November. Balaji8217;s injury was another big blow for India as they were already without ace batsman Sachin Tendulkar whose tennis elbow injury on the left arm seems to take longer time to heal than expected.

For the 22-year-old Balaji, who has formed a lethal new ball combination with Irfan Pathan in recent times, the news was absolutely shattering. 8220;I will try my best to do what I can but you can8217;t fight with injury,8221; said a philosophical Balaji who has played 24 one-day internationals.