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Balaji back for India

Image: Balaji: Returns after absence

Lakshmipathy Balaji has been drafted into the India squad for the final three one-day internationals against Sri Lanka.

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Paceman returns to the fold after injury absence

Lakshmipathy Balaji has been drafted into the India squad for the final three one-day internationals against Sri Lanka. The seamer replaces the injured Munaf Patel, who picked up a groin injury during the second game in the five-match series. It means 27-year-old Balaji returns to the side for the first time since 2005, when he picked up a stress fracture of the back that eventually required surgery. The right-armer returned in last year's IPL, taking 11 wickets for the Chennai Super Kings, and has since starred for Tamil Nadu in the domestic competition. Balaji will be available for the third one-dayer in Colombo on Tuesday when the Indians bid to wrap up the series after winning the first two encounters.