Basit Ali on Mohammed Shami’s potential BGT participation
After India suffered a 10-wicket defeat against Australia at the Adelaide Oval, the series is poised at 1-1 with three matches to go. Indian bowlers failure to wrap up Australia’s innings in time after getting all out for 180 runs was the biggest setback in the game. India will now head to Brisbane for the third Test at the Gabba as calls for Mohammed Shami’s induction are on the rise.
After nursing his ankle injury, Shami made a comeback in Ranji Trophy, laying for Bengal.. He is currently playing for Bengal in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and has done well in both red-ball and white-ball games. There are reports that the pacer will be included for the fourth Test against Australia. Meanwhile, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has certain apprehensions on this potential late call up.
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“We are getting news that Shami will be going but might play from the fourth Test. There won’t be any benefit if India plays Shami from the fourth Test. Send him now and play him [in] the Brisbane Test. If you are calling him for Melbourne, then don’t call him at all. India need Shami now! Your pace attack needs Shami,” Basit said on his YouTube channel.
‘That door is very much open’ – Rohit Sharma on Shami’s availbility
After the loss in Adelaide, India captain Rohit Sharma was asked about Shami’s potential comeback. The India opener said that the doors for his inclusion are open but the management is concerned about not rushing him back into action.
“No, no, definitely. That door is very much open. But we are just monitoring him because while playing Syed Mushtaq Ali T20, he again got some swelling in his knee, which obviously hampers his preparation to come and play a Test match. We want to be very, very careful,” Rohit said after the second Test.