Why Amit Mishra is a great choice for Team India. Twitterati think so too

The Indian cricket selectors made a fine decision by including leg-spinner Amit Mishra in the side that is slated to play three Tests in Sri Lanka next month. It is perhaps true that Mishra has not done justice to the immense talent that he is endowed with, having played only 13 Tests since making a superb debut against the world-beating Australians in 2008, picking up five wickets in the first innings. Also, one feels he should have taken far more than the 40-odd wickets he has managed in Tests so far. This is especially so considering Mishra's skills with the ball that has been there for all to see. His teasingly flighted deliveries have ensnared many a batsman over the years as has his deadly googly. He has proved himself time and again on the domestic circuit, having taken nearly 500 wickets over a span of about 15 years.

Mishra, who makes a return to the Test team after four long years, therefore, richly deserves the call, one feels. For Team India, which has seen its spin department take a beating following the retirement of the legendary Anil Kumble, would do well to have players like Mishra in the mix on most occasions. In fact, Harbhajan-Ashwin-Mishra would make a very formidable attack which is sure to get good purchase on the Sri Lankan tracks, and being a leg-spinner, Mishra will add variety to the spin attack, with both Harbhajan and Ashwin being off-spinners. What is more, Mishra, who has a highest Test score of 84, is more than a capable batsman lower down the order.

Twitter has been abuzz following Mishra's return to the Test side. Here is a selection of tweets:

Amit Mishra's inclusion is only notable feature of team selection for Sri Lanka. Last throw of the dice for the leg spinner...

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) July 23, 2015

Congrats Amit Mishra??. am sure give him confidence he wil deliver.leggies r matchwinners @cricketnext @ibnlive pic.twitter.com/0Iy4LMtqBl

— Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth) July 23, 2015

Taking Amit Mishra to Lanka not a bad idea.

— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) July 23, 2015

Guess Amit Mishra was picked before Ojha's 3 wickets vs Aus A

— Gaurav Sethi (@BoredCricket) July 23, 2015

Congrats @harbhajan_singh @MishiAmit

— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) July 23, 2015