`Kanitkar or Martin for Jadeja’

“Since it is a Test series, Martin should replace Jadeja, but had it been a One-day series, Kanitkar could have been considered. And the way they (selectors/captain/coach) are thinking, I doubt they will recall Azhar,” he added.

Lele said: “I favour (Nayan) Mongia as ‘keeper, but the captain and coach should ask for him. They had demanded MSK Prasad, the selectors can consider it if they now ask for Mongia.”

Former India wicket-keeper Kiran More said, “Prasad will do better in Australia.”

Lele refuted coach Kapil Dev’s statement that Jadeja will go to South Africa to get his shoulderinjury treated and said the player will miss the upcoming Australian tour if tests reveal any muscle tear.

Lele said that medical report of the injury has been sent to Johannesburg-based shoulder specialist Dr Mark Ferguson and his report was expected by tomorrow.

“If the MRI shows a tear in the shoulder then Jadeja will miss the Australian tour as it takes a month to heal. If it is just a sprain he will leave with the rest of the team on November 22,” he said.

But Lele refuted Kapil Dev’s announcement in New Delhi that Jadeja was travelling to Johannesburg to consult Ferguson, who treated Javagal Srinath in 1997 for his rotator cuff tear.

“As far as the Board is concerned, there is no need for Jadeja to go to South Africa because a month’s rest would heal the tear,” Lele said.

Kapil Dev had said Jadeja will go to South Africa and the BCCI had agreed to bear the expenses. Neither Lele nor Board officials were able to confirm where Jadeja was. Lele said, “We are not aware of Jadeja seeking DrAnant Joshi’s opinion.” Dr Joshi was not available for comment.