Shubman Gill drops Prasidh hint as India weigh pace options in Bumrah's absence

The first Test starts on Saturday, with Jasprit Bumrah missing the series due to a knee injury. Siraj is the only certainty among India's four pace options, leaving the team with a decision to make over who takes the other spot.

India are expected to play three left-arm spinners, with Ravindra Jadeja and Manav Suthar offering the orthodox option and Kuldeep Yadav providing the wrist-spin variety. That makes the second seamer's slot the main selection question.

What Happened

The choice is between the 6 ft 5 in Brar and Prasidh, who is an inch shorter and has played seven Tests, taking 25 wickets. Auqib Nabi is not in contention for the opening game.

• As the Test match will go on, hopefully there will be a little bit of uneven bounce.

• Morkel also stressed the need to maintain intensity and build pressure as the Test progresses.

• In these conditions, it's all about your mindset.

Key Details

Gurnoor Brar is excellent with the old ball as he can extract bounce at a good pace.

• Our skill is there, and the planning will be there, but the biggest challenge coming to Sri Lanka is the heat, the humidity, and the Kookaburra ball going soft a little earlier.

• India bowling coach Morne Morkel expects the conditions in Sri Lanka to test the fast bowlers, particularly once the Kookaburra ball starts to lose its hardness.

• Jasprit Bumrah is not here but it's an opportunity for someone to step up.

Why It Matters

Gill believes Bumrah's absence gives the other pacers an opportunity to step up and take responsibility.

• But Prasidh Krishna is bowling well of late as we have seen in the warm-up match.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by India Today as more details emerge