Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar reckons it would be tough for India to fast-track Mohammad Shami into the squad for the third Test against Australia, starting December 14 at the Gabba.
Shami has not played for India since his appearance in the ODI World Cup final in November last year. The right-arm quick underwent an operation on his Achilles tendon earlier this year, and then had an extended rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
The 34-year-old was supposed to make his comeback in the home Test series against New Zealand but he developed swelling in the knee, causing delay to his return.
Shami recently made his return to competitive action through the Ranji Trophy for Bengal. He is currently plying his trade in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
On Saturday (December 7), news agency PTI reported that Shami’s playing kit has already headed Down Under and the fitness clearance from the NCA's medical team remains a "matter of formality".
Speaking to India Today, Gavaskar said India could think about bringing Shami in from the Boxing Day Test onwards, starting December 26 at the MCG.
“Shami has been a world-class bowler for India. There's a lot of regards, lot of respect and maybe a little bit of apprehension about him joining the Indian team for the last two Test matches. It might be a little bit difficult for him to be in Australia in time for the third Test, which is starting next week. It might be just a little bit difficult. I would look at flying Shami from India,” Gavaskar stated.
Gavaskar also defended Harshit Rana, attributing his struggle in the Adelaide Test to lack of experience with the pink ball. He also said that there might be a toss-up between Harshit and Akash Deep for the Brisbane Test.
Harshit conceded 86 runs in 16 overs during Australia’s first innings and failed to claim a wicket.
“No, I think you got to say that Harshit Rana bowled well in the first game. So you couldn't have left him out of the team for the Adelaide game. I think over here he probably was not used to bowling with the pink ball. That could be one of the reasons why he was expensive. So we've got to give him that little allowance,” Gavaskar said.
“He's a young man playing only a match. It could be because of his lack of experience with the pink ball, but yes, I think when it comes to the next Test, it might be a question of either picking him or picking Akash Deep. Australia have got a lot of left-hand batters. And you can have someone like him whose natural ball is the one that leaves the left-hander. But I do believe that taking a chance with Shami will be just a little bit tough at the moment,” he further remarked.
