4 reasons the Sri Lanka Test series is preparation for the South Africa tour

A proper test of fitness

Ravi Shastri brought back the yo-yo fitness test as Team India's coach

Following the appointment of Ravi Shastri as the coach of Team India, fitness rules were tightened significantly, with the old 'Yo-yo fitness test' being reintroduced. A number of players saw an ouster from the side as a result, among them Yuvraj Singh.

Now, with their plates full in terms of tournaments and only a short break between what has been a packed few months, those who passed the yo-yo fitness test and made the cut, will have that fitness tested to its limits. While Tours in their home country may be marginally easier, the stress of playing multiple 5-day tournaments will take its toll.

That, coupled with travel and the dry heat in South Africa will exact Indian players once the series rolls around - and will separate the men from the boys on the Tour.

With several players - older and younger, not firing as well as they need to be on the pitch, this may be one of the biggest factors involved.