Is it last chance for ageing Amit Mishra, Harbhajan Singh to save their Test careers?

New Delhi: Surprise inclusion of leggie Amit Mishra for upcoming tour of Sri Lanka by the Sandeep Patel-led selection committee on Thursday has certainly raised a few eyebrows.

Ageing Mishra is making a comeback in the Test squad after a span of four long years.

Fitness issues with young leg-spinner Karn Sharma might be a reason why Mishra got a chance to be a part of the squad, for the three-match Test series, starting August 12.

But no one can doubt the ability of the diminutive spinner who has a lot of tricks up his sleeves.

The 32-year-old veteran is capable of creating doubts in mind of a batsman in the longest format of the game.

However, in the presence of another old warhorse in Harbhajan Singh and India regular R Ashwin, it would be difficult for the leggie to find a place in the playing XI.

All three are right-arm tweakers. But the major advantage Mishra has over the other two spinners is the variety he provides in the form of a leg-spinner -- as the other two are offies.

For skipper Virat Kohli, it's a big positive as on the turning tracks of Sri Lanka he has three quality spinners at his disposal.

Once can expect a healthy competition between the three experienced bowlers once the series starts.

For Harbhajan and Mishra, the high-profile series is going to be quite crucial as they are past their prime and would be playing a big series after a long long time. It might be a do-or-die situation for the duo as a poor series might shut the doors on them forever.