New opening: VVS jumps the queue

Do not read too much into the decision of VVS Laxman opening the Indian innings with Virender Sehwag in the practice match in Colombo today,...

Do not read too much into the decision of VVS Laxman opening the Indian innings with Virender Sehwag in the practice match in Colombo today, says the Indian team management.

But sources in the team think tank, however, suggest that Laxman would be ideal in the opening slot and has himself decided to take on the responsibility of opening the innings in a makeshift capacity with Sachin Tendulkar sidelined through injury. The opening question might stalk the Indian team going into the India Oil Triangular series that kicks off on Saturday at upcountry Rangir Stadium, Dambulla against Sri Lanka.

And the confusion might clear up in the small central town of Kurunegala on Wednesday when they play their second warm-up match against a local team. Laxman though does offer the selectors with someone who can handle the job, and according to a source, India8217;s new coach, Greg Chappell, is comfortable with the decision.

Laxman8217;s statistics as an opener in ODIs though paint an abysmal picture: He has an aggregate of 54 runs from five matches at an average of 10.8 and a pathetic strike rate of 38.85 runs per 100 balls. Thankfully the team has alternatives in wicket-keeper MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh and rookie Suresh Raina. Dhoni sizzled in the series against Pakistan last season at number three but has not opened the innings yet. Yuvraj is yet to be tested in the role at this level and could be more useful in the middle-order.

Laxman, who scored only 19 in an innings of 247 with Sehwag hitting 15, fulfilled the opener8217;s role in the pre-tour practice match at Bangalore between sides led by Rahul Dravid, captain for the India Oil triangular series and that captained by his deputy, Sehwag.

India are more inclined towards Laxman 8211; in the absence of experienced players such as Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly 8212; as opener in a tournament spread over two weeks, with the West Indies as the third team. Shivnaraine Chanderpaul8217;s second-string side was thrashed by 240 runs in the second Test at Asgiriya, giving Sri Lanka a convincing 2-0 win in the series. Despite the tournament being a two-team race, the hosts will be a stiff first challenge for Chappell8217;s boys.