Explained: Why Mohammed Shami's Absence Won't Hurt India In England Tests

Debashis Sarangi

Mohammed Shami was dropped for England Tests [Source: @KOTHGaming_/X]Mohammed Shami was dropped for England Tests [Source: @KOTHGaming_/X]

Recently, the BCCI selection committee, chaired by Ajit Agarkar, announced a robust Indian squad for the England Tests. Shubman Gill was officially named Rohit Sharma's successor as the Test captain, while the likes of Karun Nair and Shardul Thakur earned a recall. 

However, veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami failed to make it into the final squad due to fitness concerns. As the Indian fans lament Shami's snub, here are three reasons why India might not miss the star pacer in England. 

Mohammed Shami's Modest Record In England

Criterion
Data
Matches14
Wickets42
Average40.50
Strike Rate69.26
  • As shown in the above table, Mohammed Shami doesn't have exceptional numbers in England. The veteran cricketer has played 14 matches, scalping 42 wickets at an ordinary average and strike rate on English soil. 
  • England is the country where Shami averages his worst in red-ball cricket. It's one of the rare nations where the fast bowler doesn't possess a Test match five-wicket haul. 
  • Technically, Shami tends to pitch the ball slightly shorter than the ideal length in English conditions. As he doesn't pitch the ball full enough, Shami misses the edge quite often, being referred to as an 'unlucky' touring bowler. 

Mohammed Shami's Recent Struggle With Fitness

  • Shami, who was pivotal in India's triumphant 2023 World Cup campaign, missed out on plenty of action due to an ankle injury. 
  • Although he made a comeback in the Champions Trophy, Shami seemed a bit less effective, missing the extra zip he had prior to the injury. 
  • Furthermore, his recent MRI scans revealed fresh injury setbacks for the fast bowler. The BCCI medical team had informed the selectors about his inability to play all five Tests. 

In-Form And Fit Pacers To Assist Bumrah

  • Last but not least, the Indian team currently has several younger and fitter pacers than Shami to assist Jasprit Bumrah in the fast bowling department. 
  • While Mohammed Siraj is all set to spearhead the pace battery with Bumrah, the in-form Prasidh Krishna adds variety to the table with his high-pace hit-the-deck bowling. 
  • Furthermore, Shardul Thakur and Nitish Reddy are the seam-bowling all-rounders, with Arshdeep Singh making it into the team as a pure swing bowler. 
  • Thus, the selectors have picked a versatile pace attack that can give the Englishmen a run for their money. Therefore, it's highly unlikely that India will miss Shami this time around in England.