Gurnoor Brar emerges as X-factor option for Galle Test

Former Sri Lanka pacer Farveez Maharoof recommended Gurnoor Brar for India's first Test against Sri Lanka after the young paceman's warm-up performance. Maharoof said Brar brings bounce, pace and a fighting spirit that could unsettle batters on Galle's surface. Brar took a 10-wicket haul during India A's tour of Sri Lanka last month.

India are expected to play two pacers in Galle with Mohammed Siraj certain to feature. Brar is competing with Prasidh Krishna for the second spot after outperforming him with the short ball in the warm-up match. Shubman Gill underwent a specialised throw-down session to prepare for possible reverse swing on a Day 4-style surface.

The first Test begins in Galle on August 15. India are fifth in the World Test Championship table and need strong results to stay in contention for the final.