Ponting will not be generous to Laxman at Bangalore

Bangalore:

VVS Laxman's gallant display on the last day of the Mohali Test which enabled India to win the match might land him in some trouble in Bangalore.

India's troubleshooter is nursing a back injury and while Laxman is expected to play, Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has absolutely no intention of providing him a runner in Bangalore.

According to the rule book, an batsman carrying a previous injury is not entitled to a runner and Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting has decided to put his foot down on this matter.

Ponting told the media, "I learned my lesson last week with that. Look that can't happen obviously. If he comes into the game, knowing what he had last week, he can't bring in pre-existing injuries and expect to have runner. I don't see any concerns with him, though. He actually looked pretty good with his movements."

Ishant Sharma and Gautam Gambhir have already been ruled out due to injury. Murali Vijay and Sreesanth are expected to take their place.

Australia have their own problems with paceman Doug Bollinger ruled out of the Bangalore Test and a possibility of them dropping to No 5 in the ICC Test rankings if India seal the series 2-0.