Kuala Lumpur, July 25: Ailing former Test batsman Geoffrey Boycott is likely to return to the commentary box during India's tour of Australia later this year. "Boycott is recovering well from cancer, and we hope that he can join the commentary team for Australian series," Rik Dovey, managing director of a sports channel, today said on the sidelines of the premier league Asia Cup Football tournament here.

Boycott, the former England cricketer with 8,814 Test runs, had captivated the Indian fans with his witty comments from behind the microphone.

His forthright criticism, coupled with his typical Yorkshire accent, had helped him attain a star status in India. The legendary batsman however has been off air since India's tour of England last year after having to undergo chemotherapy for throat cancer.

An ardent admirer of Sourav Ganguly, Boycott has been positively responding to treatment and appeared on a sports channel to give a few tips to the Indian captain during the World Cup in South Africa early this year. "He has been in good spirits and we all hope that he can be back for his commentary assignment soon," managing directory of the sports channel said. Bureau Report