Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar expressed doubts about Mohammed Shami's immediate inclusion in the India's Test squad for the Brisbane Test. Shami, who hasn't played international cricket since the ODI World Cup final last year, recently returned to competitive cricket through the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
After PTI reported that Shami is expected to receive a fitness certificate from the NCA soon, which would clear him to participate in the ongoing five-match Test series, Gavaskar suggested that it might be more realistic to consider him for the fourth Test onwards, which will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
“Shami has been a world-class bowler for India. There's a lot of regards, lot of respect and maybe a little bit of apprehension about him joining the Indian team for the last two Test matches. It might be a little bit difficult for him to be in Australia in time for the third Test, which is starting next week. It might be just a little bit difficult. I would look at the flying Shami from India,” Gavaskar told India Today in an interview.
Gavaskar also defended Harshit Rana, attributing his poor performance in the Adelaide Test to a lack of experience with the pink ball. He suggested that a decision might need to be made between Rana and Akash Deep for the Brisbane Test. Rana's performance in the Adelaide Test was underwhelming, as he conceded 86 runs in 16 overs without taking a wicket.
“No, I think you got to say that Harshit Rana bowled well in the first game. So you couldn't have left him out of the team for the Adelaide game. I think over here he probably was not used to bowling with the pink ball. That could be one of the reasons why he was expensive. So we've got to give him that little allowance,” Gavaskar added.
“He's a young man playing only a match. It could be because of his lack of experience with the pink ball, but yes, I think when it comes to the next Test, it might be a question of either picking him or picking Akash Deep. Australia have got a lot of left-hand batters. And you can have something like him whose natural ball is the one that leaves the left-hander. But I do believe that taking a chance with Shami will be just a little bit tough at the moment,” Gavaskar concluded.
ALSO READ: IND vs AUS: Big boost to Australia, star speedster set to join squad for third Test against India
Australia dominate India in Adelaide Test
Australia are currently dominating India in the second Test at Adelaide Oval. After India's first innings total of 180 runs, Australia responded strongly, with Travis Head's century propelling them to a total of 337 runs. This gave them a big lead of 157 runs. India's batting faltered on the second day, and they ended the day at a precarious 128/5, with Rishabh Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy at the crease.
