 "Indian cricket team's fast bowling department could see big changes for Test tour to England. Image: Reuters")
The Team India Test squad for the England tour will reportedly be announced on 24 May (Saturday) during a press conference, which will be jointly hosted by head coach Gautam Gambhir and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief selector Ajit Agarkar in Mumbai.
The Indian cricket team is set to see some surprise picks, and while many expected that to happen in the batting department, the selectors have decided to make big changes to the pace bowling.
As per reports, veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami could be ignored for the five-match Test series in Australia while left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh could find a place in the team. It has been reported that Jasprit Bumrah is not keen on playing in all five matches considering his history of back issues. In such a case, the selectors want to include pacers who are at their 100% fitness wise.
India Test squad may not include Shami
As per the Indian Express, there’s a feeling within the BCCI that Shami may not be able to bowl 10 overs in a day and hence the selectors “can’t take chances” with him.
“Shami is bowling four overs in IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad but the board and selectors don’t know whether he can bowl more than 10 overs in a day. Test matches in England may demand longer spells from the pacers and we can’t take chances,” a BCCI source told the Indian Express.
Media reports also state that Arshdeep Singh has been identified as a good option for England, considering his ability to swing the ball. Arshdeep won the 2024 T20 World Cup and has made a name for himself in white-ball cricket, but he is yet to make his Test debut for India. He is also not a part of the India A squad for England .
Impact Shorts
More ShortsAs far as India’s Test captaincy is concerned, the news agency PTI has reported that Shubman Gill is set to be named the next skipper ahead of Bumrah. The fact that Bumrah could not be available in all five tests has become the biggest impediment for the 31-year-old fast bowler.