Sehwag likely to return for Aus series

Dashing India opener Virender Sehwag on Saturday exuded confidence that he would be fully fit for the seven-match one-day international series at home against Australia, commencing in Baroda on October 25.

"I am not yet fit for international cricket as can't throw (the ball) from the boundary line. But I would be fully fit for the series against Australia," said Sehwag.

Sehwag also said that he would play in the Champions League Twenty20 tournament for the Delhi Daredevils after leading the Rest of India side against Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai in the five-day Irani Cup tie, beginning on October 1 in Nagpur.

"I will play in the Champions League and in the Irani Cup match. There I'm captaining the side and would be fielding in the slips or other close-in positions," he said.

The flamboyant batsman, who turns 31 on October 20, has not played international cricket since he suffered a shoulder injury during the second edition of the Indian Premier League in May.

Sehwag, who has two Test triple centuries, missed India's short visit to the West Indies, the triangular ODI series in Sri Lanka and also the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa.

Sehwag was confident India, even without him and two other key members - Zaheer Khan and Yuvraj Singh, was capable of doing well in the Champions Trophy.

"I am confident we will play well. We have always done well against them in the World Cup, Champions Trophy and World T20. Just because two-three of us are not there does not mean we will not play well," he said.

Srikkanth, in his second year as chief selector, said that the Irani tie in Nagpur was the right platform for Sehwag to get back into the groove for the tough season ahead.

"In the Irani Cup he can be relaxed. It gives Viru a good opportunity to stay mentally prepared for international cricket. By the grace of God he would be fit for the series against Australia," Srikkanth said.