SADOGOPPAN RAMESH Left-hand opening batsman; right-arm off-spin bowler

FACTFILE Born: 16.10.1975 Team: Tamil Nadu Test debut: v Pakistan, Madras 1999 ODI debut: v Sri Lanka, Pune 1999

The 1999-2000 tour to Australia proved a painful one for Ramesh, whose right thumb was damaged by a ball from Brett Lee in Melbourne and he was forced to miss the final Test.

A protege of Kris Srikanth, he was first promoted to the national team on the recommendation of the former Indian opener and made scores of 43, 60 and 96 in his first two Tests.

Centuries against Sri Lanka and New Zealand followed, giving him an average of almost 50, but flaws in his technique were exposed in Australia and he was finally dropped in 2001.

Ramesh came close to a recall after making a century for India A against New Zealand in October, but the selectors turned to Akash Chopra instead.

India are likely to start the series in Australia with Chopra and Virender Sehwag at the top of the order, but such is the home side's strength, it would be a surprise if Ramesh is not given an opportunity at some point to show he has learned some of the lessons of four years ago.