Praveen likely to be in playing XI at Lord's

Praveen Kumar is almost certain to be picked ahead of S Sreesanth for the first Test against England at Lord's on Thursday.

It is learnt that the team think-tank felt the need to have a swing bowler in the team, which resulted in Praveen's selection over Sreesanth. Praveen, who made his Test debut during India's recent tour to West Indies, took 12 wickets in three Tests.

It is also learnt that Harbhajan Singh will be the lone spinner for the first Test. India's most likely Playing XI are: Abhinav Mukund, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, Praveen Kumar