Indian cricket team fast bowler Mohammed Shami took to social media to respond after not being selected for the upcoming Test series against Australia. Shami has been out of action since the ODI World Cup 2023 final due to an ankle injury sustained in November. He underwent surgery and completed rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), but his return was delayed by knee swelling. Though Shami recently stated that his knees no longer hurt, the selectors chose not to include him in the much-anticipated series.
Shami shared a training video on Instagram with the caption: “Putting in my efforts and improving my bowling fitness each day. I’ll keep working hard to be ready for matches and to play domestic red-ball cricket. Sorry to all cricket fans and the BCCI too, but I’ll be ready for red-ball cricket very soon. Love you all.”
Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald recognized Shami’s absence as a significant loss for India, but emphasized that his team will not underestimate the pacers stepping in during the crucial Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, beginning November 22 in Perth. He referred to India’s historic Gabba Test victory in 2021 as a reminder of the depth in their bowling reserves.
Shami, sidelined since last year’s ODI World Cup in India due to an Achilles injury that required surgery, may still join the Indian team for the latter part of the Australia tour, depending on his performance in Bengal’s last two Ranji Trophy games in Bengaluru and Indore.
India has won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia on their last two tours, in 2018/19 and 2020/21. McDonald acknowledged Shami’s skill, calling him an ideal complement to Jasprit Bumrah, and noted that India’s reserves have proven themselves in the past. He also mentioned that if the selection committee, led by George Bailey, deems 19-year-old Sam Konstas ready, the teenager may open against India after his impressive performances, including twin centuries in the Sheffield Shield for New South Wales and a solid showing on a challenging pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.