Former South Africa opener Paul Adams felt Mohammad Shami’s absence could be a major blow for India in terms of Australia’s pace and pace of play. Shami was not included in India’s 18-member jumbo squad against Australia. However, the India pacer is all set for a comeback after his long injury layoff. Shami, who was ruled out with an ankle injury from last year’s ODI World Cup final, is set to make a comeback in the Ranji Trophy in Bengal vs Madhya Pradesh.

“I think he (Mohammad Shami) will be a major miss for India against Australia given the conditions. Australia’s pace and wickets would have helped India gain the upper hand had Shami been in the squad but that is not in the hands of the selector as he is recovering but I think he will be missed,” Paul Adams said in an interaction mediate.

Shami hoping for Border Gavaskar’s comeback?

The most important ODI World Cup player had to walk away from cricket after ankle surgery shortly after the tournament. While Shami was initially expected to return in time for the Test series against New Zealand, his return was delayed. While rehabbing, a knee injury resurfaced, further extending his recovery time.

Paul Adams hailed Shami for his heroics in the ODI World Cup and his ability to carry the bowling attack. He pointed out that there will be pressure on Jasprit Bumrah and that Ravindra Jadeja would be the key to the Indian team.

“The pressure will be on Bumrah”

“We all saw what he did in the ODI World Cup 2023. He single-handedly carried the Indian pace attack and is someone who has the ability to extract from any pitch in the world despite the conditions. Seam position and length The pressure on vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah and other pacers is simply tremendous, but I think it will be the pacers who will play a huge role for India, especially Ravindra Jadeja.

India captain Rohit Sharma addressed Shami’s injury concerns and revealed that the pacer still has knee problems. Shami criticized media reports of the same right before the New Zealand series when he was not named in India’s squad against the Kiwis.