Mohammad Shami’s selection for the forthcoming tour of England continues to be a subject of serious intrigue. While there is absolutely no doubt in Shami’s abilities, he has been one of the best fast bowlers India has produced, persistent injury concerns in the last few years has pushed his career back. While he made a comeback to domestic cricket last november, he hasn’t played a single red ball game since. All that he has played is white ball 50-over and T20 cricket. He had a modest Champions Trophy and so far had a modest IPL.
“You cannot choose someone for red ball depending on his IPL bowling efforts. The selection committee will need to be 100% sure that Shami is in a position to bowl 15 overs in a day. Suppose he picks up a couple of wickets in a spell. It will be expected that he can keep going for 6-7 overs at a stretch. In the IPL, even a 4 over spell is divided into two, that is why it is no index for red ball selection” A source close to the development said
So what’s the way forward for Mohammad Shami? Will the selectors take a punt on him for the all important England tour?
“If you go purely by potential, Shami is a clear cut choice. But, at this point what the selectors will need to see is if he is loading his body enough to give them comfort. Has he prepared enough for red ball cricket and bowling long-ish spells. Is there any fear of him breaking down? Selectors could even consult NCA sources to find out some of the answers.” The source said.
What might work for Shami is that Jasprit Bumrah will not play all five Tests. At best Bumrah is expected to play three, or a maximum of four matches. In such a scenario, Shami’s experience becomes invaluable. Will the team management want to pick Shami for those games where they don’t have Bumrah?
For any of this to happen, however, Shami has to give proof that he’s capable of taking the rigours of Test cricket. He has to convince the selectors that he has loaded his body enough and can bowl long spells, which will require loads of energy and resilience.
While all of India wants Shami to be a part of the team, the truth is, it will all depend on how he has prepared so far in the midst of the IPL. Has he done enough to push his body or is there still an iota of doubt. The jury is still out.
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