The five-Test series stands level at 1-1, with the third Test to be played in Brisbane from December 14.
Former India cricketer Kirti Azad stated that the Indian team is missing the services of pacer Mohammad Shami in the ongoing BGT 2024 Test series against Australia. India won the first Test in Perth by 295 runs but lost the second match in Adelaide, a pink-ball Test by 10 wickets.
According to Azad, a part of the 1983 ODI World Cup-winning Indian team, India is lacking Mohammad Shami's presence, and if he becomes available, India's bowling attack will be significantly stronger.
“In the first Test at Perth, you saw both the teams get bundled out, and then once the wicket was okay, it started hitting. So, cricket is one game that nobody should predict. It’s a game of various uncertainties. But I know this team can come back. The only player missing in this team is Mohammad Shami. If Mohammad Shami was there with Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj, it becomes a very lethal, potent bowling attack," Azad was quoted as saying by ANI at an event.
Speaking about India’s performance in the two Tests played so far, Azad said India surrendered against Australia in the 2nd Test in Adelaide.
“The second Test was more of a surrender by India than a victory by Australia. But then you can’t take it away from Australia. They did. They are known for their comebacks. So, it’s a tough opponent, and we have to fight and see to it that we put them behind in Gabba,” he added.
He also spoke out in support of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma when social media users questioned his place in the team following India's fourth consecutive defeat under his leadership.
According to him, it's weird in India that when someone doesn't perform well, fans lose their minds.
“It’s very strange in our country; if somebody doesn’t do well, he should be dropped. If somebody loses, then his captaincy should go. The problem is 140 crore people because they see it on television where everybody is an expert,” Azad stated.
The BGT 2024 caravan now moves to Brisbane, with the third Test scheduled for December 14 at the Gabba.