Why is Mohammed Shami not playing IND vs ENG 2024 Test Series?
The big IND vs ENG 2024 Test series is about to start on January 25th, but there’s a bit of a downer – Mohammed Shami, the experienced fast bowler, won’t be there. Sadly, he got a bum ankle during the 2023 ODI World Cup, and now he’s not sure if he can join in against England.
Shami’s been a real star in India’s bowling crew. He’s the guy who bowls fast and swings the ball around, a real troublemaker for the other team. For a long time, he’s been a super important part of the Indian team, making those key breakthroughs just when they’re needed most. His knack for getting the top-order batsmen out has been a big deal for India, setting the mood for the whole team and helping them win a lot.
But now, with Shami not around, it’s a bit worrying. He’s known for doing big things, especially when things are tough. You can bet his absence will be felt, considering how much he’s contributed to India’s success over the years.
Looking back, Shami’s been a real nightmare for England in Test matches. Imagine this – 44 wickets in just 15 matches! That’s a lot, and it tells you how good he is. Not only does he get wickets, but he’s consistently better than the best players on the other side. Shami’s not just effective; he’s like a thorn in the side of the English batters.
His skills and experience have been a game-changer, especially against a team like England. The way he handles the challenges they throw at him is something special. But now, with Shami not in the mix, it’s like losing a secret weapon. The team will have to figure out how to deal without his tricks against England’s strong batting lineup.
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It’s not just about cricket; it’s like missing a key player in a band. Shami’s absence is like losing a guitarist who always hits the right notes. Now, the rest of the band has to figure out how to make music without him. Let’s hope the other bowlers step up and fill the gap left by Shami’s speedy deliveries and tricky moves.
Mohammed Shami last 10 innings Performances in Test Matches
| Date | Bowling | Opposition | Venue |
| 07 Jun 23 | 2-122 & 2-39 | Australia | The Oval |
| 09 Mar 23 | 2-134 & 0-19 | Australia | Ahmedabad |
| 17 Feb 23 | 4-60 & 0-10 | Australia | Delhi |
| 09 Feb 23 | 1-18 & 2-13 | Australia | Nagpur |
| 01 Jul 22 | 2-78 & 0-64 | England | Birmingham |
| 12 Mar 22 | 2-18 & 0-26 | Sri Lanka | Bengaluru |
| 04 Mar 22 | 1-27 & 2-48 | Sri Lanka | Mohali |
| 11 Jan 22 | 2-39 & 1-41 | South Africa | Cape Town |
| 03 Jan 22 | 2-52 & 1-55 | South Africa | Johannesburg |
| 26 Dec 21 | 5-44 & 3-63 | South Africa | Centurion |
In Mohammed Shami’s recent 10 Test innings, his performances reveal a mix of challenges and successes. Notably, against Australia at The Oval on June 7, 2023, he took 2 wickets in each inning but faced challenges in conceding runs. In Ahmedabad on March 9, 2023, Shami grabbed 2-134 in the first innings but remained wicketless in the second, with figures of 0-19.
An exceptional display occurred on February 17, 2023, against Australia in Delhi, where Shami secured an impressive 4-60 in the first innings but struggled in the second, ending with figures of 0-10. The variability in his performances against the same opponent underscores the dynamic nature of Test cricket.
Encounters with England in 2022 and South Africa in 2021 also showcase Shami’s performance spectrum. Against England in Birmingham on July 1, 2022, he managed 2-78 but went wicketless in the second, conceding 0-64. However, in the December 26, 2021 match against South Africa in Centurion, Shami delivered a stellar performance, securing 5-44 in the first innings and 3-63 in the second. This table not only reflects Shami’s individual brilliance but also emphasizes the unpredictable nature of cricket, where performances can vary widely from match to match.
Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum aim to replicate that triumph and maintain the trend of delivering thrilling Test cricket in India. Rohit Sharma will lead team India in the upcoming red ball matches.