“We don’t want to bring undercooked Shami to Australia” – Rohit Sharma issues a crucial update on the recovering pacer

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has claimed that they don’t want to take an unfit Mohammed Shami on the upcoming Australia tour. Sharma revealed that Shami suffered a setback while recovering and he is now at the NCA to complete his recuperation.

Shami has not been picked for the three-match Test series against New Zealand. The veteran pacer last played for India in the final of the ODI World Cup and then underwent the knife for his ankle injury. 

Shami has all the experience under his belt and he is going to hold the key in the Australian conditions. The ace pacer had picked 16 wickets in four Test matches on the tour of 2018-19 to Australia when India won for the first time on Australian soil.

“To be honest, it is difficult to make a call on him for Australia series. He had a setback and had swelling in his knees. That put him back a little bit and had to start again. He’s at the NCA with doctors and physios. We don’t want to bring undercooked Shami to Australia. We are keeping our fingers crossed,” Rohit Sharma said ahead of the first Test against New Zealand.

On the other hand, Sharma showered praise on Jasprit Bumrah for being the leader of the pack.

“He’s one of the experienced players in the team. He has not captained a lot but whatever I have discussed with him, he is always there when it comes to talking with the bowling group, bowlers, or even for something during the match. It’s good to have him around,” Rohit Sharma said in the same press conference.

Jasprit Bumrah has an impeccable record against Australia as he has scalped 32 wickets in seven Test matches at an average of 21.25. Interestingly, Bumrah has played all of the seven Test matches against Australia in the Australian conditions.

The opening Test match between India and Australia will be played at Perth from November 22 onwards.