Analyzing India’s erratic bowling display against South Africa, seasoned wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik suggests that the absence of senior pacer Mohammed Shami is being felt in the ongoing Test series against SA. Despite commendable performances from Bumrah and Siraj, Karthik opines that Shami’s skills would have proven invaluable, especially on the seam-friendly Centurion pitch.
“The man has grown in stature as a bowler and as a leader of the pack. He is an able lieutenant to Jasprit Bumrah. You can imagine with the upright seam on this kind of pitch. I promise you, he would have definitely gotten a few wickets. The Indian team really misses him,” said Karthik.
Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj shine in IND v SA
On the second day of the match, South African batsman Dean Elgar showcased a stellar innings, asserting dominance while India managed to secure five wickets. Bumrah and Siraj contributed with two wickets each, and debutant Prasidh Krishna chipped in with one.
Despite their efforts, Karthik underscores the significance of Shami’s abilities on the Centurion pitch, where South Africa currently leads by 11 runs, reaching a score of 256-5.
Regrettably, Mohammed Shami’s absence is due to an ankle injury, ruling him out of India’s two-match Test series against South Africa. Karthik observes that, although Bumrah and Siraj delivered commendable spells on Day 2, the support from Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur was not as substantial.
“Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna going for close to 118 runs in their 27 overs. On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj going for just 111 in their 31 overs. Siraj was a tad bit expensive, especially in the last spell, they also bowled some brilliant balls. You could see every time they were on, you got the feeling that they could get you a wicket or two. Whereas with Shardul or Prasidh, you had to wait for a batter to make a mistake,” Karthik added.
