In a move that is bound to surprise the top brass of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), VVS Laxman is preparing to play two games of grade cricket in Sydney. The Hyderabad middle order batsman has been recuperating in Australia, following knee surgery a while ago. It must be remembered that Laxman suffered a ligament tear while playing a limited overs tri-series in Sri Lanka.

Laxman's affinity for Australian bowling is now well established, following his match winning and record-breaking knock of 281 against the Aussies at Kolkata earlier this year. Add to this the breezy innings of 167 Laxman made in Sydney to end India's dismal tour Down Under in 1999-2000.

Just two days ago, Laxman informed the BCCI that he had not recovered completely from his injury and withdrew from the first leg of the forthcoming Indian tour of South Africa. Laxman is slated to miss the Standard Bank Triangular One-Day series that involves Kenya, apart from the hosts and India. It is widely believed that Laxman would be fully fit in time to play the three-Test series against South Africa that begins in November.

Following his arthroscopy five weeks ago, Laxman has been through a course of intense physiotherapy and will attend a fitness test on September 19 according to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald.

The report goes on to add that Laxman is looking to play two games for the Balmain - University of Technology side. Club secretary Harry Harinath was "optimistic" that Laxman would be fit to play, adds the report. It bears mention that it was rumoured earlier that batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar would turn out for the same club, something that did not happen.

If in fact Laxman does turn out for Balmain, it would not be the first time an Indian cricketer has done so. As long ago as the 1981-82 season, off spin great Erappali Prasanna rolled his arm over for the club.

Interestingly, if Laxman does play,Balmain is slated to meet Hawkesbury and Mosman, during the two weeks that he would spend in Sydney. The latter of course is the club of the Lee brothers - Brett and Shane. Although the man reputed to be the quickest in the world is unlikely to play, the competition will be stiff.

© CricInfo