Leg-spinner Mishra returns to India squad for Sri Lanka tests

Leg-spinner Amit Mishra has made a comeback to the Test team for the series against Sri Lanka next month.

The leg-spinner is named in a 15-man touring party missing the injured Karn Sharma and Mohammad Shami.

Mishra, 32, who has taken 43 wickets in 13 matches, last played a Test at the Oval during the England tour in 2011. “He was always part of our thinking and looking at conditions, we’ve picked him for the Sri Lanka tour”, Patil told in a press conference in New Delhi following the squad announcement. There were no major surprises in the Virat Kohli-led squad with the exception of Mishra’s inclusion, who was selected in the aftermath of Pakistan leg-spinner Yasir Shah’s success in their win over Sri Lanka earlier this month. Lokesh Rahul, who had missed the flight to Dhaka after being unwell, should make a return after his fine knock in the first unofficial Test against Australia “A” in Chennai on Wednesday.

Virat Kohli (captain), Varun Aaron, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shikhar Dhawan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Amit Mishra, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Lokesh Rahul, Wriddhiman Saha, Ishant Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, Murali Vijay, Umesh Yadav.

Ravindra Jadeja is unlikely to be considered as he was dropped owing to poor form and with no matches in the interim and his non-selection in the India A team for two first-class matches is an indicator that he is not there in the scheme of things.

Even as Ishant Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar provide confidence, a thought may go into the role of Varun Aaron. A year ago also he was in the reserves. “It’s up to us to represent each and every player who plays and performs”, Patil reasoned.

Fast bowler Umesh Yadav’s below-par performance in Bangladesh was a concern for the team and his name might be under the scanner while deciding the pace battery.

The opening test will be played in Galle from August 12-16 and will be followed by two in Colombo.