Mohammed Shami, India’s premier fast bowler, has expressed his disappointment on social media after being overlooked for the upcoming Test series against Australia. Shami has been sidelined since the ODI World Cup 2023 final due to an ankle injury and subsequent knee swelling.
Despite recently declaring himself pain-free, the selectors opted to exclude him from the squad. Shami took to Instagram to share a video of his training, expressing his determination to regain match fitness and return to the red-ball format.
Australia head coach Andrew McDonald acknowledged Shami’s absence as a significant loss for India. However, he emphasized that his team will not underestimate the replacement pacers, citing India’s victory in the Gabba Test in 2021.
McDonald also hinted at the possibility of Shami joining the Indian team for the second half of the Australia tour if he proves his fitness in Bengal’s upcoming Ranji Trophy matches. India has a strong record in Australia, having won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in their last two visits.
Shami’s injury has opened the door for other bowlers to stake their claim in the Test team. The likes of Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and Jaydev Unadkat will be eager to impress and cement their places in the squad.
The absence of Shami is a blow to India’s bowling attack, but it also presents an opportunity for other bowlers to step up and prove their worth. The upcoming Test series against Australia promises to be a fiercely contested battle, and the outcome could hinge on the performances of the bowlers from both sides.
