India faces a setback as veteran pacer Mohammed Shami’s participation in the upcoming Test series against South Africa hangs in the balance. The 33-year-old is grappling with an ankle injury, raising doubts about his availability for the two crucial matches against the Proteas.
Reported by Cricbuzz on December 5, Shami won’t be accompanying the rest of the squad to South Africa, departing on Friday (December 15). While skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, R Ashwin, Navdeep Saini, and Harshit Rana are set to fly to Johannesburg, Shami’s absence poses a challenge for the Indian team.
Despite no official replacement named by the selectors, speculation is rife that one of the pacers from the existing South Africa touring squad might be drafted into the Test set-up. With over 75 Indian players currently in South Africa across formats, options are available.
Shami’s inclusion in the Test series was provisional, with the BCCI, during the squad announcement on November 30, indicating that his availability hinged on his fitness. The BCCI statement read, “Mr. Mohd. Shami is currently undergoing medical treatment, and his availability is subject to fitness.”
The seasoned pacer, who bore the brunt of World Cup responsibilities despite ankle pain, encountered discomfort while landing on his right foot during deliveries. The first Test kicks off on December 26 at Centurion, followed by the second Test at Newlands in Cape Town. Before the Tests, there’s a three-day game for Test squad members starting from December 20, with the ongoing T20Is and ODIs completing the South Africa tour schedule.
