Mohammed Shami to miss Tests against England, Suryakumar Yadav to undergo hernia surgery: Report

Mohammed Shami is expected to miss the first Two Tests against England starting 25 January, who has not resumed bowling following his ankle injury. Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav, the top-ranked T20 batter, is facing a prolonged absence from cricket due to hernia, needing surgery. Yadav is expected to achieve full fitness in time for the Indian Premier League (IPL). “Shami hasn’t even started to bowl, he will have to go to NCA and prove his fitness. He looks doubtful for the first two Tests against England. Whereas in Yadav’s case he will take more time than expected. After his hernia operation it might take up to eight-nine weeks for him to start training. Hopefully he will be fit during the IPL,” said a BCCI source, as per The Indian Express. Shami had been named in the Test squad against South Africa on 30 November, his participation hinged on recovery from treatment, as clarified by the BCCI in a press release. The BCCI Medical Team emphasised on keeping a cautious approach and he was not included in the squad at all. The BCCI, seeing the importance of Shami’s fitness, particularly with the Test series being played at home and the availability of Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, both formidable seamers, is not rushing Shami back. Further, given the anticipated role of spin in the series, India may not even need the full complement of fast bowlers. Meanwhile, in the case of Suryakumar Yadav, consultations with specialists are underway, and it is likely that he will undergo surgery abroad to address his hernia, indicating an extended period of recovery. The first of five Test matches between India and England starts on 25 January in Hyderabad. The second Test will start on 2 February in Visakhapatnam.