Badrinath replaces Laxman for NZ Tests

Subramaniam Badrinath has been named as a replacement for VVS Laxman for the two-Test series against New Zealand starting August 23 in Hyderabad.

"The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named S. Badrinath as VVS Laxman's replacement in the Indian team for the Test series against New Zealand, which commences at Hyderabad on 23 August 2012," secretary Sanjay Jagdale was quoted as saying by a BCCI media release.

The Tamil Nadu batsman has played two Tests for India so far with his last coming in February 2010 against South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

The 31-year-old Tamil Nadu batsman returns to India\'s Test team after a gap of more than two years.

Laxman's retirement on Saturday has paved the way for the 31-year-old, who also plays for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.

Badrinath, who has also represented Team India in seven ODIs and a T20I, has been a prolific scorer in the domestic circuit having scored 7836 runs with an average 60.74 with 28 centuries.

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