Controversial spinner recalled to Indian team

The 19-year-old off-spinner was dropped for the mini World Cup in Bangladesh and the Champions Trophy in Sharjah after the International Cricket Council raised doubts about his action.

Indian cricket selectors, however, reinstated Harbhajan when the bowler was cleared by former England spinner Fred Titmus during a two-day visit to London earlier this month.

Harbhajan, who made his international debut during the home series against Australia in March, has never been called for throwing by umpires.

But two ICC match referees, Ranjan Madugalle of Sri Lanka and Peter van der Merwe of South Africa, questioned the legality of his action.

Veteran opener Navjot Sidhu and swing bowler Debashish Mohanty are also back in favour after being omitted for the Dhaka and Sharjah one-day tournaments.

Mohammad Azharuddin will lead the 15-man squad named only for the three Test matches starting on December 18.

A separate team will be selected for the subsequent five limited-overs internationals, Indian board secretary Jayant Lele told reporters after the selection committee meeting here.

``The selectors would meet again during the course of the third and final test (January 2-6 at Hamilton) to make necessary changes for the one-day internationals'', Lele said.

Sidhu is expected to open the batting with either vice-capain Ajay Jadeja or Venkat Laxman as one-day openers Sachin Tendulkar and Saurav Ganguly revert back to the middle order for the Tests.

All-rounder Robin Singh and promising off-spinner Nikhil Chopra were left out of the squad that won the Champions Trophy in Sharjah last week, but are almost certain to return for the one-day series.

India, who enjoy an enviable home record, have won just one Test match abroad since 1986.

India squad

Mohammad Azharuddin (capt), Ajay Jadeja (vice-capt), Navjot Sidhu, Venkat Laxman, Sachin Tendulkar, Saurav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Nayan Mongia, Javagal Srinath, Ajit Agarkar, Venkatesh Prasad, Debashish Mohanty, Anil Kumble, Sunil Joshi, Harbhajan Singh.

Coach: Anshuman Gaekwad