However, Karn Sharma was not considered as the youngster is still recuperating from injury. And the last time India toured Sri Lanka, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s side humbled the hosts 4-1 in a five-match ODI series and also the lone Twenty20 global match. The final XI, though, is decided by the captain.
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“We always try to get the balance and (considering) the wickets in Sri Lanka, this is the best possible combination in the bowling department”, selection committee chairman Sandeep Patil told reporters after naming the 15-member squad. Three Tests should give selectors a good chance to assess him as a long-term prospect and also a possibility in the India’s ODI and T20 squad for future.
The six specialist batsmen who are automatic choices are openers Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan, skipper Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma and A team captain Cheteshwar Pujara.
“Pragyan (Ojha) was discussed but only 15 players can be selected. Looking at the conditions, we have given preference to Mishra”, he added.
Mishra, 32, who has taken 43 wickets in 13 matches, last played a Test at the Oval during the England tour in 2011.
Karn and fast bowler Mohammed Shami were left out due to fitness related issues.
Kohli to Harbhajan: “Help us win Tests”. The 23-year Karnataka opener scored a solid 96 for India A against Australia A side on the opening day of the unofficial Test at the Massachusetts Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday.
As reported yesterday, the selectors had to pick a third spinner for the series since it will be played on wickets that are expected to spin. We are very happy with the kind of performances, they have delivered.
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The four pacers, who made the cut are Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Varun Aaron, who right now is recovering from his bout of influenza. But his selection in the India A squad for longer format makes it clear that he is there in the mix.
