V R V Singh to join India team in Delhi

Selection Committee chairman Kiran More announced in Chennai on Monday that the selectors have asked Punjab medium pacer V R V Singh to join Indian squad selected for the second Test against Sri Lanka in New Delhi "to analyse his fitness".

Addressing a press conference along with the new BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah at the end of the truncated fourth day's play of the first Test, Mr More said no other names were discussed for selection during the meeting, but they discussed a lot about spotting talent in the Ranji trophy matches going on presently.

"We have decided to retain the same squad for the second Test as there was hardly any play in the first Test here," the former India stumper said.

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He said the selectors would be watching only the last two days of the remaining two Tests and they would concentrate more on watching the Ranji matches.

Asked why the selection committee, of late, was picking the team after every Test, More said it was easier this way if the captain or the selectors felt the need to make any changes in the side during the series.

Mr Shah parried a question when a reporter pointed out that the basic infrastructure at the M A Chidambaram stadium was inadequate and the entire outfield was not covered.

"The ICC umpires were there. They are all very experienced," Mr Shah retorted.

- UNI