Follow UsWith Jasprit Bumrah rested, Team India are carrying a rather inexperienced pace attack in the ongoing ODI series against Australia, with all of Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna relatively new to 50-over cricket.
Mohammed Siraj is present, but one individual who hasn’t been picked despite being available is Mohammed Shami, who is statistically the greatest strike bowler India have ever had in ODIs, and played an important role in the team’s Champions Trophy triumph seven months back.
There’s been plenty of drama surrounding Shami’s non-selection, with the pacer himself getting involved in a public spat with chief selector Ajit Agarkar, stating that claims that he is ‘not fit’ are completely false.
During the first innings of the third ODI in Sydney today, former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson, on commentary, expressed disbelief over India not selecting the veteran speedster.
"I thought he must not have been fit to play,” Watson said on air.
“He is an absolute weapon in any conditions, but especially here in Australia with his length - hitting the top of the stumps, always hitting the seam, ball goes big away. For me, he is the last person I'd be wanting to face here in Australia. Any time, but especially when there's a little bit in the surface.”
Australia won the first two ODIs, and both surfaces had plenty for the seamers. While Australia’s experienced pacers took full advantage, India were unable to capitalise.
“He would have enjoyed bowling in Perth and Adelaide as well, where there was seam movement available. So yes, it's a big surprise that he's not out here playing,” Watson said.
In the semi-final of CT 2025, Shami took a crucial 3-fer against Australia, which ended up proving decisive.