'Questionable Call,' Ex-Opener Cautions India Against Playing Shami In Australia Tests
![Mohammed Shami in action in Ranji Trophy [Source: @academy_dinda/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1731904042469_shami_BGT(2).jpg?im=Resize=(650,450))
Mohammed Shami in action in Ranji Trophy [Source: @academy_dinda/X]
Former opener Aakash Chopra has advised the Indian think tank against rushing Mohammed Shami to Test cricket. After recovering from a career-threatening ankle injury, India's experienced speedster Mohammed Shami made his much-awaited comeback to competitive cricket through Bengal's final-round Ranji Trophy encounter against Madhya Pradesh.
The fast bowler looked sharp as ever, scalping seven wickets in the game. So, considering his one-match exploit in the famed domestic competition, the Indian think tank might make him fly to Australia and represent the visitors in the latter leg of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Chopra Cautions India Against Rushing Shami To Tests
Meanwhile, Aakash Chopra believes India should think twice before adding Shami to their squad for the upcoming Australia Tests. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former cricketer opined that the BCCI should assess Shami's fitness properly before taking a call on his Test future.
"Mohammed Shami has played a match. We weren't able to see much of his bowling as it was not being streamed. We did see the wickets he took. I'd say he is undercooked. To push Shami into Test cricket so early will be a questionable call because he hasn't played since last one year. You play one match after a year and suddenly you put Shami in a Test game, that won't be fair. If there's a breakdown during the match or if there is no form, then everyone will ask 'why was there so much desperation to play Shami?" Chopra was quoted as saying by TOI.
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The ex-cricketer further highlighted Australia's soft outfields, where Shami might recur an injury that could adversely affect his career.
"Secondly, the grounds in Australia are very soft, so there are chances of recurrence of injury. I would say Shami should take more time. We all want Shami to play as soon as possible, but we shouldn't hurry his return," he added.
Indian Team Updates Before Perth Test
While Shami's BGT future hangs by a thread, skipper Rohit Sharma and ace batter Shubman Gill will likely miss the first Test against Australia in Perth. According to the latest reports, Jasprit Bumrah will lead the Indian team, with KL Rahul opening the innings for the visitors. Furthermore, Devdutt Padikkal will likely be Gill's replacement at three, with Nitish Reddy and Harshit Rana making their Test debuts.
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