Paes returns to Davis Cup squad

Doubles specialist Leander Paes will return to India's Davis Cup squad for next month's tie against China in Beijing, tennis officials said on Wednesday.

India's number one Paes missed the World Group play-off against Sweden in Bastad last year due to a wrist injury. India lost the tie 5-0.

The squad to meet China includes Paes, his doubles partner Mahesh Bhupathi, Syed Fazaluddin and Prahlad Srinath.

India's former number one Ramesh Krishnan is non-playing captain and Nandan Bal is the coach.

Young Harsh Mankad, who made his Davis Cup debut in Bastad in the absence of Paes, has been left out.

India and China play from February 9-11 for a berth in the Davis Cup World Group play-off.

India beat China 5-0 the last time the teams met in a zonal tie at Calcutta early in 1999.