TWO of Bolton's top cricket professionals have been called back to India for preparation for a triangular series with Sri Lanka and the West Indies.

Deeraj Jadhav of Bolton League side Egerton, and Suresh Raini of Association club Astley and Tyldesley will both return home this week and will miss the next three weekend progammes.

And it could get worse as Astley and Tyldesley are under the impression that if their man comes through what is an assessment of 30 players for possible future international call-ups, he may have to stay on in India.

And A & T are steeling themselves for bad news.

"We just have a feeling that he will be selected and that he won't be coming back to us," said club chairman David Groves.

At Egerton, spokesman Mike Hall said that he expected their man back in three weeks. He said: "The Indian Cricket board have appointed Greg Chappell as team manager for the triangular series. During the next few weeks he will be running the rule over a number of players, including our pro.

"We know he will be away for three weekends, but we would never stand in his way. He is a professional cricketer and we can't stop him wanting to progress his career.

"He goes with our best wishes and of course should he do well, then it reflects well on both Egerton Cricket Club and the Bolton League."

Both players were on the thresholds of reaching 1,000 runs for the season.

Jadhav had a chance to become the first batsman to reach the mark this season in the Bolton League over the weekend but needing 119 to pass the milestone, he was out for only eight in his side's defeat by Farnworth on Saturday.

Raina is on track to become the highest runs scorer in a season for the Association. He currently has over 600 runs and is chasing former A & T pro Bazid Khan, who scored 1746 runs in 2003.

Club captain Simon Nicklin said: "This is a massive blow to us, although we are happy that Suresh has the chance to represent his country.

"He has impressed everyone with his ability, his demeanour on and off the field, and his enthusiasm coaching the juniors.

"We are currently negotiating a contract with him for his return next season."