Venkatesh Prasad disappointed with Suresh Raina’s exclusion from Indian Test team

Uttar Pradesh coach and former India fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad expressed surprise at the exclusion of Suresh Raina from the India Test squad selected for the first two matches against England.

The selection committee led by Sandip Patil dropped Uttar Pradesh skipper Raina from the Indian Test squad announced in Mumbai Monday afternoon.

"I was expecting Raina to get selected. It is unfortunate that he has not been named in the squad. But I don't think he should be disheartened," said Prasad after Uttar Pradesh's victory over Delhi in Ranji Trophy Group B at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

"He is a class player. I thought he played brilliantly against a very good Delhi bowling attack and spent a lot of time in the middle which is very important."