Mohammed Shami is not included in West Bengal's first two Ranji Trophy fixtures. His comeback to international cricket is further delayed. How will Shami's absence hurt Team India in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
The wait for Mohammed Shami’s comeback will continue for some more time. The India pacer has reportedly suffered a side strain and has not been named in the Bengal’s squad for the next two Ranji Trophy matches against Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. It was hoped that Shami would play the Ranji games to prove his fitness before he is put on the plane to Australia for the later part of the Test series. But his non-selection in the Ranji games pushes forward his comeback to the national team.
It may be recalled that Shami was seen bowling in the nets during the New Zealand series and it was believed that he will start playing competitive cricket again after an ankle injury sidelined him for a year. At that time, he was quoted as saying that he was bowling at “100%” and “it's better I spend some more time on the ground before going. If I get fit and I get a gap of eight to ten days, then it's better I play one or two domestic matches before going to Australia.” But the latest news has put water to all the plans.
Nevertheless, selectors would be keeping a tab on Shami’s fitness as India’s cup of woes seems to be overflowing at the moment. India just have one in-form pacer in Jasprit Bumrah. Mohammed Siraj has been out of sorts for sometimes, and does not look threatening enough to take wickets. Akash Deep has done a good job so far as a newcomer to the squad, but Australia series demands pacers to be at their absolute best if India harbour any hopes of pulling off a series win. The other pacers in the squad, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna, lack experience of playing in Australia.
Mohammed Shami’s importance
After India’s 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand, the team need to win 4-0 Down Under to qualify for the World Test Championship final on their own. Hence, they need pacers who have experience of playing Down Under and can bring the X-factor to the squad.
Shami’s record in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia) is impressive. He has done well in the previous tours of Australia as well.
Here’s a look at his performances in SENA countries
Country | Matches | Wickets | Average | 5w/10w |
Australia | 8 | 31 | 32.16 | 2/0 |
South Africa | 8 | 35 | 23.22 | 2/0 |
England | 14 | 42 | 40.50 | 0/0 |
New Zealand | 4 | 15 | 35.60 | 0/0 |
Here’s how Shami has fared in each Tests in Australia
Year | Venue | Wickets |
2014 | Adelaide | 2/120, 1/42 |
2014 | Melbourne | 4/138, 2/92 |
2015 | Sydney | 5/112, 1/33 |
2018 | Adelaide | 2/58, 3/65 |
2018 | Perth | 0/80, 6/56 |
2018 | Melbourne | 1/27, 2/71 |
2019 | Sydney | 2/58, 0/4 |
2020 | Adelaide | 0/41 |
Shami’s skills would’ve been handy in Australia
Mohammed Shami’s ability to swing the ball would be a great asset in Australia where there will be bounce and movements off the pitch. Shami is known to maximise the pitch conditions and unleash terror at the batters with his impeccable line and length. Shami could complement Bumrah with his wicket-taking abilities and the two can hunt in pairs to make life difficult for the Aussies. Shami is also a tireless worker who keeps going at it to get the job done for his team. His past performances show that he likes to bowl long spells to create pressure and take wickets. Plus, his experience of playing in Australia and bagging wickets would be definitely an asset Down Under.
Hence, the team management would be leaving no stone unturned to get Shami fit, get him match ready and fly him in the plane to Australia even for the last few Tests.
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