JAMSHEDPUR (India), Nov 5: India will field 28-year-old Jaiprakash Yadav in the first One-day International against West Indies Wednesday as they continue their search for an all-rounder ahead of next year’s World Cup.

Yadav, who scored a century and grabbed six wickets as national champions Railways beat Rest of India in a domestic Irani Cup tie last week, wins a place after an injury to Sachin Tendulkar and the poor form of left-hander Dinesh Mongia.

“We’re looking for an all-rounder ahead of next year’s World Cup and we want to give Yadav an opportunity,” Indian captain Saurav Ganguly told reporters after a team practice session.

“He has done well in domestic matches. You will see him on the ground tomorrow.”

Ganguly led India to a 2-0 win over West Indies in their three-Test series last week but lost Tendulkar for the seven one-dayers due to a hamstring injury sustained during his match-saving 176 in the final Test.

Vangipurappu Laxman, who struck an unbeaten 154 on the final day of the third Test, takes Tendulkar’s batting slot.

India will be relying on their young batting trio of Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif, who have notched up match-winning knocks in recent months for a fast improving team.

Teams:

India (from): Saurav Ganguly (captain), Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Vangipurappu Laxman, Yuvraj Singh, Mohammad Kaif, Harbhajan Singh, Ajit Agarkar, Ashish Nehra, Anil Kumble, Jaiprakash Yadav.

West Indies: Carl Hooper (captain), Chris Gayle, Wavell Hinds, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Marlon Samuels, Ridley Jacobs, Mahendra Nagamootoo, Vasbert Drakes, Mervyn Dillon, Pedro Collins.—Reuters