After following in the footsteps of former India batting great VVS Laxman since the age of 11, G Hanuma Vihari, 24, is in line to break into the big league of international cricket. The Andhra all-rounder, boasting the highest first-class average of 59.27 in the world, is all set to make his India debut in the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval today.

Vihari had to deal with a major setback in his life after losing his father just six months into formal cricket coaching at St John's Academy in Hyderabad, where Laxman honed his skills. Vihari's mother Vijaya, however, did not let her son's cricket be affected by the unfortunate turn of events. He then gained admission at St Andrew's School, where John Manoj, his coach at the academy, was sports director.