Sunil Gavaskar, former India captain and legend, suggested that India should take a chance with Ishant Sharma by sending the fast bowler to Australia for the remainder of the Test series as a replacement for injured Mohammed Shami.
On Saturday, Mohammed Shami sustained a fracture in his right arm and has ruled out of the remaining Test series. The India pacer, who played a crucial part in his side’s 2-1 Down Under victory in 2018-19, suffered a blow to his right hand while trying to sway away from a Pat Cummins bouncer before India were all out for their lowest test score—36.
Gavaskar said that the absence of Mohammed Shami will be a massive blow for the visitors and urged the management to sent Ishant Sharma if he is fit enough to bowl 20 overs a day.
Things are not in favour of the visitors as Shami ruled out of the remainder Test series, India is left with Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav and two inexperienced fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Navdeep Saini who are yet to make their test debut for India.
“It (Shami injury) is a big problem. he has the knack of taking wickets, he can shock the opposition with his bouncers and yorkers. If he is not playing, then it’s going to be trouble for India,” Gavaskar told Sports Tak on Saturday.
“I am saying India should look at taking a chance because there is no proper back-up now. Navdeep Saini has the potential to pick wickets but the way he bowled in the warm-up matches, it doesn’t look like he will be able to trouble the Australia batsmen.”
Even if India agrees to send Ishant Sharma as early as possible, the chances of the senior pacer taking part in the 3rd test seem unlikely as a compulsory 14-day hard quarantine is a must for people flying to Australia (during which the player can not practise outdoors).
Rohit Sharma, who arrived last week in the country, has been in quarantine and is expected to be available for the third test beginning on January 7.