Badrinath replaces Laxman in India Test squad

Mumbai, Aug 19 (IANS) The All-India Senior Selection Committee Sunday named Subramaniam Badrinath as V.V.S. Laxman's replacement in the Indian cricket team for the two-Test series against New Zealand starting Wednesday.

Laxman Saturday ended all speculation about his career by announcing his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect, barely a week after he was named in the squad.

It was being speculated that the genial Hyderabadi would announce his retirement after playing the first Test against the Black Caps at home or after the series.

The stylish strokemaker, who made his Test debut in 1996, played 134 Test matches, scoring 8,781 runs at an average of 45.97, and scored 2,886 runs in 86 One-day internationals.

In his first-class career, he played 265 matches and scored 19,520 runs at an average of 51.50.