Laxman, Jaffer, VRV Singh undergo fitness test

Bangalore, Mar 6 (UNI) Team India batsmen V V S Laxman and Wasim Jaffer along with pace bowler V R V Singh underwent a fitness test at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) here today.

The Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) has made fitness test mandatory for the players before their selection for the national team.

The fitness of the players were assessed for selection of the team for the series against South Africa, beginning from March 26.

The selection of the team is slated for March 9 in Mumbai.

The trio underwent test under the trainer Paul Chapman, Physiotherapist Paul Close and NCA Coaching Director Dav Whatmore.

After the assessment, the NCA would forward the reports to the BCCI and in turn to the selectors.

Former Team India captain Sourav Ganguly was expected to arrive here tomorrow or the day after for fitness test.

Left arm seamer R P Singh, who had to return from the ODI tri-series in Australia due to injury was also expected to arrive here today for the test scheduled for tomorrow or the day after.

Team India Test skipper Anil Kumble and former captain, Rahul Dravid have been training at the NCA itself. Dravid, who injured a finger during the final test at the Adelaide Oval in Australia had long batting stints at the NCA nets.

The touring South Africa is scheduled to play three test matches at the M A Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from March 26 to 30, Sardar Patel stadium at Ahmedabad from April three to seven and the Green Park, in Kanpur from April 11 to 15.

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