India’s key red-ball fast bowler, Mohammed Shami, is expected to be absent for the initial two Tests in the upcoming five-match series against England, scheduled to kick off on January 25th.
He recently revealed that he played through pain during the ODI World Cup 2023. Consequently, he has been advised to take a break from cricket to recover. Currently, he is recuperating from an ankle injury, which also ruled him out of the two-match Test series against South Africa.
According to reports, the 33-year-old has not started bowling in the nets yet. BCCI officials anticipate the fast bowler to assess his fitness at the NCA before being included in the Test squad. If he successfully recovers, Shami is expected to join the squad for the third Test in Rajkot.
“Shami hasn’t even started to bowl, he will have to go to NCA and prove his fitness. He looks doubtful for the first two Tests against England,” a BCCI source told The Indian Express.
Shami, initially selected for the Test squad in the recently finished series against South Africa, had to be pulled out due to insufficient recovery. The BCCI is taking a cautious approach with Mohammed Shami, considering the upcoming five-match series against England, which will be held in India. Since Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will be at the team’s disposal, there’s no urgency to hasten Shami’s return. Given the anticipated prominence of spinners in the series, India may not require the services of all their pacers.
Shami might make way for either Prasidh Krishna or Mukesh Kumar in the initial two Test matches against England. Kumar showcased a stellar performance with the ball during the second Test against South Africa at Newlands, Cape Town. Meanwhile, Prasidh Krishna, though receiving criticism from skipper Rohit Sharma in the first Test against South Africa in Centurion, has displayed decent potential.
Fortunately, apart from Shami, all other Test cricketers are in good health for the upcoming series against England. The team is scheduled to regroup in Hyderabad after completing the series against Afghanistan, concluding on January 17.
The selectors have not yet disclosed the squad for the Test series. There is speculation whether the performances in the first round of the Ranji Trophy games will be taken into account.
