India in Sri Lanka: Top-Five Bowlers to Watch Out For
India and Sri Lanka will play a three-match Test series from August 12. Will spin dominate pace? Here's a look at five bowlers who could make a difference.
Will spin dominate pace in the upcoming Test series between India and Sri Lanka? India have packed their side with three frontline spinners while the Lankans will bank on the wily Rangana Herath. With rain expected to affect the series, getting 20 wickets will be crucial. The men who could make a difference are:(The Ranking Game for Kohli & Co.)
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Harbhajan Singh
After more than two years of Test wilderness, Harbhajan Singh made a comeback for India's one-off Test versus Bangladesh in June. Backed by consistent IPL performances, the selectors gave the veteran spinner an opportunity to extend his international career. He made an impressive return against the Tigers bagging three wickets in the rain-marred drawn Test. The 35-year-old did well in the Zimbabwe ODI series as well, which India won 3-0. Bhajji has 416 Test wickets and has also proved that he is no mug with the bat. He has scored two centuries and nine fifties in the longest format of the game.(Murali Vijay Ruled Out of 1st Test)
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Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin enjoyed a lot of success in the World Cup 2015 and during the one-off Test against Bangladesh recently. Despite competition from a rejuvenated Harbhajan Singh, Ashwin will be the bigger threat in spin-friendly conditions. The carom ball specialist has 124 wickets and has been a solid provider of runs in the lower middle order. Like Harbhajan, he has also scored a couple of tons.(India Set for Sangakkara's Farewell)
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Varun Aaron
For a young speedster with blistering pace and raw aggression, Varun Aaron's tally of just six Test matches since making his debut in 2011 speaks volumes of his struggles to stay fit. Despite being touted as India's answer to 150 kmph-bowling, Aaron's erratic bowling has been his biggest 'Achilles' heel'. Under an aggressive skipper like Virat Kohli, Aaron could be egged on to take his game to the next level and start afresh in Sri Lanka.('Rohit Needed at No. 3')
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Rangana Herath
Rangana Herath, one of Sri Lanka's premier bowlers, will look to replicate his career-best bowling figures of 9/127 against Pakistan in 2014. Herath hasn't had much success against India. The 37-year-old has played six Tests against India picking 12 wickets, including one five-wicket haul.('Will Come Hard at Sangakkara')
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Nuwan Pradeep
The express bowler from Sri Lanka has made 11 Test appearances bagging 26 wickets. The right-arm pacer is the fastest among the current crop of bowlers in the Lankan team and poses a threat to Indian batting line-up. Injuries have often kept him in and out of the team. The 28-year-old is yet to play against India.(Arnold Says India's Fast Bowling Has Variety)