Auqib Nabi replaces injured Bumrah for Sri Lanka Tests

Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi got his first India Test call-up as replacement for injured Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the two-match series against Sri Lanka that starts Saturday in Galle. He found out at the airport while heading to a CoE camp, and the 29-year-old said the news stunned him. Nabi had waited years for a chance after consistent domestic showings, but he hadn't expected it to land quite like this.

Former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath criticised the team management over Bumrah's workload, arguing the captain, coach and selectors make the final call while the CoE only hands over medical notes. India have already lost Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar and Sai Sudharsan to injury. Bowling coach Morne Morkel warned the inexperienced pace attack must adjust fast to heat, humidity and how the Kookaburra ball behaves once it softens.