Hand injury rules Laxman out of second Test

Senior Indian batsman VVS Laxman will return home after a hand injury ruled him out of the second and final Test against Bangladesh starting on Sunday in Dhaka.

Laxman hurt the webbing of his left hand while fielding during the fourth day's play on Wednesday. He dropped Shahriar Nafees twice off Zaheer Khan and looked in pain as he left the field.

Indian team's administrative manager Arshad Ayub said the right-hander would return home and the team has decided not to ask for a replacement.

"He received 10 stitches on the injured finger and will return home. We have not sought any replacement," Ayub said.

He said pacer S Sreesanth, who limped off the field after sustaining a hamstring injury, would be assessed soon.

"He will be assessed in the next couple of days," said Ayub.

Meanwhile, regular skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and spin spearhead Harbhajan Singh are set to be fit for the second Test.

While Dhoni was nursing a back spasm, Harbhajan had been battling a stiff neck.

"Dhoni and Harbhajan are recovering well. Harbhajan started bowling today," Ayub said.