"I would have just brought him here even if he’s not fit until the 3rd Test" - Damien Fleming on Shami's exclusion for Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Former Australian seamer Damien Fleming feels Mohammed Shami's absence in Team India's squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 'significantly damages their chances'. The right-arm pacer failed to recover in time from his long-term injury and was not even named among the reserves for the tour.
Shami had recently hinted at playing in a couple of Ranji Trophy matches to prove his match fitness ahead of the five-match away series. Meanwhile, skipper Rohit Sharma had firmly stated that the management does not intend to bring an 'undercooked' Shami for the tour.
“That decision significantly damages their chances of winning out here. I would have just brought him here even if he’s not fit until the third Test," Fleming told The Age.
In the absence of the veteran seamer, Jasprit Bumrah will lead the pace attack. The likes of Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep are primed to play a huge role now.
In terms of bench strength in the pace department, India have recalled Prasidh Krishna, who has some games under his belt after recovering from a prolonged injury. Another surprise inclusion came in the form of Harshit Rana, who is yet to make his international debut.
India have also named three seamers among their reserves, who could be called upon if needed. The trio of Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, and Navdeep Saini will be involved in the upcoming first-class fixtures for India A against Australia A.
Team India squad for Border-Gavaskar series
Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (wicket-keeper), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar.
Mohammed Shami has taken 31 wickets in eight Tests in Australia
Shami had to miss the majority of India's previous tour of Australia after sustaining an injury in the series opener in Adelaide. The pacer was part of three tours, beginning with the 2014-15 series.
He has picked up 31 wickets in eight Tests at an average of 32,16, including five-wicket hauls in Sydney and Perth.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is scheduled to begin on November 22 at the Optus Stadium in Perth.