Das was expecting ODI team call

After consistent performances in Tests got him a place in the one-day squad for the tour of South Africa, opener Shiv Sundar Das said he was indeed expecting the call.

"I was hopeful of breaking into the one-day side but was not too confident," said Das.

The dapper batsman with a sound technique, both against quick and slow bowlers, said he would play his normal game in South Africa.

"As the opportunity has come now, I will try to justify the confidence the selectors have put in me. I hope to play well in the side games so that I can break into the playing eleven," Das said.

Das, who will be making his debut in one-day internationals, said he is no stranger to the instant version of the game, having played in the Wills and Challenger tournaments with success.

Kishore Mania, the opener's coach, said he is hopeful of Das doing well in South Africa.

Mail Cricket Editor