The anticipation surrounding the India-South Africa test series has taken a hit for India. According to the latest news report, veteran India pacer Mohammed Shami is unlikely to be available for the first Test due to an ankle injury. The seasoned right-arm pacer, a vital component of the Indian bowling arsenal, is grappling with an ankle injury. Although the specific nature of the injury remains undisclosed.
The uncertainty deepens as doubts loom over Shami’s participation in the critical Boxing Day Test, the first Test of the series. The Board had previously clarified that Shami’s inclusion in the South Africa tour hinged on his fitness, given his ongoing medical treatment. This situation poses a substantial setback for Team India, as Shami’s prolific track record in South Africa includes an impressive tally of 35 wickets at a remarkable strike rate of 44.66.
However, the India Cricket Board has refrained from issuing an official statement on Shami’s fitness status, leaving fans and cricket enthusiasts in suspense. It’s worth noting that Shami will not be travelling with other Indian players to South Africa. Skipper Rohit Sharma, along with Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, Navdeep Saini, and Harshit Rana, will fly to South Africa via Dubai on Friday.
Can India win their first-ever Test series in South Africa?
The Indian pace attack heavily relies on Shami’s experience, skill, and ability to deliver breakthroughs in challenging conditions. His past performances in South Africa underscore his value as a wicket-taking bowler, making his potential absence a cause for concern. The team management will need to recalibrate its strategies, especially considering the formidable opposition and the challenging conditions of South African pitches.
It’s worth noting that the Indian team management will be keen to win their first-ever Test series against South Africa on their soil. Rohit Sharma-led India will be keen to avenge their last-time loss against the hosts.
India’s squad for the upcoming Test series:
Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan (wk), KL Rahul (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Mohd. Shami (subject to fitness), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Prasidh Krishna
Here is how fans react to Mohammed Shami’s injury:
He is in good form why he misss
— HAFEEZ KHAN (@HAFEEZK51158740) December 14, 2023
Now I have a feeling that a test series win in South Africa is also doubtful, ?
— Being Indian ?? (@SunilSa02606284) December 14, 2023
No way he is a good bowler
— HAFEEZ KHAN (@HAFEEZK51158740) December 14, 2023
Wishing him a speedy recovery, Mukesh Kumar might play as a third pacer
— Kirkett (@bhaskar_sanu08) December 14, 2023
We really miss you shami in this test series
— SOYAB (@soyab_05) December 14, 2023
Hoping for a quick recovery. Waiting to see him on the field pic.twitter.com/fRoTzQtIkI
— White knight ? (@santhoshtiger14) December 14, 2023
bahir nikal dia bechary ko
— Shaibi? (@Shaibiwhispers) December 14, 2023
Muhammad Shami was in the farm.
— Ali Umair Shahbaz (@aliumairshahbaz) December 14, 2023
??? ??? ??? ?? ??? ??? ???
— ????? ????? (@Mohiit21) December 14, 2023
