MUMBAI, Nov. 11: Able-bodied Indian seamers are a scarce commodity these days. The recall of S. Sreesanth to the Test team has met with mixed response but there was little else the selectors had in the basket to choose from.

The only possible candidate who could have been in contention was Munaf Patel. As selectors don’t speak on individual selection, it can be safely concluded that Munaf did not meet expectations in the ODI series both as a bowler and fielder.

Praveen Kumar’s strength is swing and there is little to achieve on that front at home. Ashish Nehra has been impressive since his return to the ODI team but his fitness has been under the scanner.

Sreesanth, who last played for India in April, 2008 against South Africa in Kanpur, faces a tough test against a set of disciplined Sri Lankan batsmen. "I have been training hard and been putting everything into my bowling. "I know it’s a fresh start and I am confident of doing well," said the Kerala speedster who was officially reprimanded by the BCCI for an outburst during the Irani Trophy.

"Of what I have seen of him in Test cricket, I must say he is impressive. His personal demeanour aside, I think he has a lot to offer to this Indian side. At the same time I have to add that it is critical for him to keep his emotions under check," noted Mohinder Amarnath who was named recipient of the C.K. Nayudu award for lifetime achievement on Wednesday.

"This is the best squad we could have picked under the present situation. I am sure they will deliver," said Kris Srikkanth. Former India pacer and once coach of Sreesanth, T.A. Sekar said: "Sreesanth is a capable bowler and one with a proven track record. With the bowlers who were available for selection, he is one who gives you the confidence. We have to approach a Test match with a firm belief that 20 wickets is a possibility. And Sreesanth provides that confidence."

India beat Australia (2-0) and England (1-0) with four specialist bowlers. The game plan against Sri Lanka could be the same. "Zaheer Khan coming back is good news and Ishant Sharma looks a better bowler in the longer version. A small break in this taxing schedule should help him regroup and come back better," added Sekar.

With Harbhajan Singh and Amit Mishra likely to feature in the starting line-up, the attack wears an incisive look on paper.

It was the same combination that got the job done recently and there is no reason why they can’t do it again. As in the previous home rubbers, swing and seam could play a substantial role.

SEAMERS IN NUMBERS

Pacer M Wkts 5w Best Avg Eco

S. Sreesanth 14 50 1 5/40 31.46 3.28

Zaheer Khan 65 210 7 5/29 33.84 3.28

Ishant Sharma 18 52 1 5/118 33.15 3.19