India’s Pace Attack Takes a Hit Ahead of England Test Series As Mohammed Shami Ruled Out, Jasprit Bumrah Not Fully Available
India will miss Mohammed Shami in the England Test series, while Jasprit Bumrah may not be available for all five matches.
India’s tour of England is around the corner, but it looks like veteran pacer Mohammed Shami won’t be part of the five-match Test series.
With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) set to announce the squad in the coming days, a major development suggests that Shami has been ruled out of contention by the medical team.
BCCI Medical Team Raises Red Flag
According to a report in the Indian Express, the BCCI’s medical staff has informed chief selector Ajit Agarkar and his team that Shami might not be fit enough to handle the workload of Test cricket.
He is currently playing the IPL, bowling four overs a game for Sunrisers Hyderabad, but that’s very different from the longer spells demanded in Test cricket.
The medical team believes he won’t be able to bowl extended spells, which are crucial for fast bowlers in English conditions.
Source: “Can’t Take Chances with Shami”
A source close to the developments said, “Shami is bowling four overs in IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad but the board and selectors don’t know whether he can bowl more than 10 overs in a day.
Test matches in England may demand longer spells from the pacers and we can’t take chances.” This uncertainty has played a major role in sidelining him from the selection plans.
Shami Last Played a Test in 2023
Mohammed Shami, who is now 34, last featured in a Test match for India during the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval. Since then, he has not played any red-ball cricket, and with fitness concerns mounting, his Test future seems uncertain.
Jasprit Bumrah Also Unavailable for Full Series
If Shami’s absence wasn’t enough, there’s more. Jasprit Bumrah has also informed the BCCI that he cannot feature in all five Tests and will be available for a maximum of three.
With two senior fast bowlers unavailable for the full tour, the selectors have a tough job on their hands as they finalise the squad.
New Captain Also to Be Named
Adding to the anticipation, this squad announcement will also include the name of India’s new Test captain following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the format.
All eyes will be on who steps into the leadership role and how the pace attack shapes up without its two most experienced members.
