Australia head coach Andrew McDonald is very well aware of what happened last time when India’s reserve bowlers stole the show in Down Under. India made a remarkable turnaround in 2020-21 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy without the services of senior stars including Shami, Bumrah and Umesh Yadav. Once again, Australia is set to lock horns with India to renew the rivalry at home and they are up against a seasoned cum young Indian bowling line-up.
Australia coach wary of India pace attack sans Shami
As per ESPNCricinfo, McDonald admitted that Shami’s absence will be of a loss to India, revealing that the Australian batters admired his relentless nature, line and lengths. He said that Australia would miss taking on the well-oiled combo of Bumrah and Shami. However, he pointed out that the side will not underestimate the Indian pace battery, specifically pointing out at the traveling reserves.
“But needless to say we saw what happened last time, they had reserves that came in and did the job as well so they cannot be underestimated at all,” McDonald said.
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Shami was expected to recover in time for the selection for IND vs AUS Test series but couldn’t make the cut. He has been out of action since the ODI World Cup and underwent an ankle surgery earlier this year. He has been recovering at the NCA and is expected to make his return to competitive cricket in the Ranji Trophy. The chances for his participation in Border-Gavaskar Trophy looks bleak at the moment but it cannot be ruled out entirely.
India’s pace battery for IND vs AUS Test series
India boast of a strong battery of pacers spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah. The attack comprises of Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy. To provide more depth and options, the squad also has Navdeeo Saini, Khaleel Ahmed and Mukesh Kumar as traveling reserves. The Men in Blue have stuck with just three spinners for the tournament – Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar.
