The countdown for BGT 2024-25 has begun with 1st Test match slated on 22nd November at Optus Stadium, Perth. BCCI’s selection panel astonishingly didn’t name Mohammed Shami in the squad who is going through rehabilitation. Mohammed Shami recently bowled a terrific spell in the Ranji Trophy when he took 7 wickets for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh.
It won’t be wrong to say that BGT 2024-25 would be a battle between the pacers of India & Australia. India would bank on the stand in skipper Jasprit Bumrah (*only for 1st Test match) to lead the bowling attack and his captaincy will also be tested. Bumrah had led India in the 5th Test match against England in 2022 but India’s bowling attack couldn’t defend 378 runs.
Jasprit Bumrah is optimistic regarding the participation of Mohammed Shami in BGT
Jasprit Bumrah was having an interaction with the media ahead of the 1st Test match against Australia (*source Rev Sports Global on X”.) Jasprit Bumrah stated that Mohammed Shami can be with the team & said that the management is keeping a close eye on him. Jasprit Bumrah pointed out that team India is ready for all sorts of challenges & made it very clear that they are not carrying any baggage after the Test series defeat against New Zealand.
“We have finalized our combination. You’ll come to know it tomorrow. Shami has been an integral part and the management is keeping a close eye. If everything goes well, you might see him here as well,” said Jasprit Bumrah.
“We are prepared. We came in early and trained at the WACA. We knew it was going to be a spicy wicket and we have prepared according to that. When we came here for the first time, we did well so the onus is on the youngsters to take up the responsibility as well. Beauty of cricket is that if you win or lose, you start from zero. We are not carrying any baggage,” he added.
India’s strong bowling attack
Mohammed Siraj in BGT 2020-21 in Australia had a dream Test series where he took 13 wickets in 3 Test matches. Siraj’s raw pace & pinpoint wicket-to-wicket deliveries can prove to be effective against Aussie batters who can also fall like a pack of cards.
According to reports with knowledge, it is assumed that the debutant Harshit Rana may play the 1st Test match ahead of Akash Deep which is quite mind-boggling. Akash Deep had played Test matches against England, Bangladesh & New Zealand and had shown a lot of promise. Perhaps, the management wants to experiment but it can have repercussions.
Also Read: BGT 2024-25 : Usman Khawaja Is Eagerly Looking Forward To Face Jasprit Bumrah In BGT 2024-25