India’s gun fast bowler Mohammed Shami is doubtful for the two-match Test series against South Africa. Shami is currently nursing an ankle injury and it is unlikely that he will be fit for the first Test match against the Proteas.
Meanwhile, Shami ended the ODI World Cup 2023 as the highest wicket-taker with 24 scalps in seven matches and he bowled with an impressive average of 10.71, including three five-wicket hauls and one four-wicket haul.
The fast bowler from West Bengal also bagged seven wickets in the all-important semifinal against New Zealand. Thus, his absence will be a huge blow for the visitors as he is in red-hot form.
The selectors have currently not named any replacement for Shami for the Test series.
The BCCI statement on Shami had stated, “Mr. Mohd. Shami is currently undergoing medical treatment, and his availability is subject to fitness.”
On the other hand, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma spoke for the first time after the heartbreaking World Cup final loss against Australia.
Rohit said in a video message to the Indian fans, “After the final, it was very hard to get back and start moving on, which is why I decided that I need to get my mind out of this. But then, wherever I was, I realised that people were coming up to me and they were appreciating everyone’s effort, how well we played. I feel for all of them. They all, along with us, were dreaming of lifting that World Cup.”
The skipper added, “Everywhere we went during this entire campaign, there was so much support from everyone who came to the stadium firstly and people who were watching it from home as well. I want to appreciate what the people have done for us, in that one and half month period. But again, if I think more and more about that I feel quite disappointed that we were not able to go all the way.”
The first Test match between India and South Africa will be played at the SuperSport Park, Centurion from December 26.
