According to Dinesh Karthik, Mohammed Shami, who is injured, is not with the Indian team for the current Boxing Day Test match against South Africa at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.
In the 2023 ODI World Cup, the 33-year-old bowler claimed the most wickets. Against Australia and South Africa in the ensuing white-ball assignments, he was rested. Shami’s ankle injury prevented him from playing in the two-match Test series against the Proteas, where he was supposed to be a vital player.
Following a masterful century from KL Rahul, India managed 245 on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test before the home team concluded the day with a score of 256/5.
As a bowler and a pack leader, Mohammed Shami has become a more formidable individual. He is Jasprit Bumrah’s capable lieutenant. On a pitch like this, you can picture the upright seam. He would have surely taken a few wickets, I can assure you. Dinesh Karthik stated on Cricbuzz that “the Indian team really misses him.”
For India, Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah both took two wickets. In his 15 overs as a Test player, Prasidh Krishna took one wicket while giving up 61 runs. All-rounder Shardul Thakur, who bowls seam balls, gave up 57 runs in 12 overs without taking a wicket. Karthik believed that on Day 2, Bumrah and Siraj did not receive enough assistance from Prasidh and Shardul.
In their 27 overs, Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna amassed nearly 118 runs. However, Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah only managed 111 runs in their 31 overs. Siraj was a little pricey, particularly during the most recent phase, but they also produced some excellent balls. Every time they were on, it was evident that you could sense that they could be able to bring you one or two wickets. Karthik continued, “With Shardul or Prasidh, you had to wait for a batter to make an error.
Dean Elgar dominated Day 2, finishing on 140 out of 211 deliveries. He scored 23 fours during his innings and would be crucial for the home team in the opening Day 3 session. If the southpaw stays at the crease, South Africa’s lead—which is currently only 11—could grow significantly, and Rohit Sharma and company would love to see him go early in the day.