Badrinath, Vijay delighted at Test call

Ahmedabad:

Delighted after finding a spot in Indian team for the Test series against Sri Lanka, Tamil Nadu batsmen Subramaniam Badrinath and Murali Vijay on Tuesday said they were determined to make the optimum use of the opportunity.

Both Badrinath and Vijay were on Tuesday named in the 15-member Indian squad for the first two Tests against Sri Lanka starting in Ahmedabad on November 16.

"I am really happy that I have got a place in the Indian Test team. I will try to make the best out of this opportunity," Badrinath told reporters here.

"I am looking forward to my Test debut this time against Sri Lanka," he said.

The 29-year-old Badrinath was earlier selected in the Indian team to face Australia at home during their visit last year. However, he failed to make his debut that time around as he but was not selected for any of the matches.

Meanwhile, his statemate Vijay, who represented India in one Test, was upbeat after his selection.

"It's always a good feeling to play for the country. And right now I am playing good cricket and that's what I want to do for the country," Vijay said.

"I am not thinking a lot just now and enjoying playing for my state. I am really happy that I am in the squad," Vijay said.

A prolific opener for TN, Vijay debuted in the longer version of the game against Australia at Nagpur, in November, last yeat where he score a total of 74 runs in two innings.

Vijay was an instant success in his debut Ranji season in 2006-07, finishing as the third-highest run-getter with 628 runs from seven games.

He has till date accumulated over 2000 runs in first class cricket with an average of 50.17.

Meanwhile, former Team India coach and now chief consultant for Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) Anshuman Gaekwad said it is a good sign that more youngsters are getting a place in the Test squad.

"Giving chance to youngsters to play with experienced players will benefit the team. In fact this is a good sign for Indian cricket that more youngsters have been inducted into the team," Gaekwad told reporters here.

"Vijay did well in his debut Test, but unfortunately did not get another chance. And Badrinath is a seasoned player," he said.

Gaekwad said it was good to see tempermental pacer S Sreesanth back in the team.

"Sree is back after a long time, I hope he learns from the past mistakes and does not repeat it. With fast bowlers prone to injuries, Sree's inclusion is a good thing," he said.