Injury or excuse, did the selectors 'play' with Shami?… Former coach exposed the secret, even Ricky Ponting was surprised.

Cricket News Desk. Team India has set out on Australia tour with the hope of a big win. But due to 1-3 defeat in the series, the dream of reaching the WTC final was also shattered. After which he was criticized a lot. But after the defeat, veteran Ricky Ponting clearly said that if Bumrah's partner had been Mohammed Shami, the result would have been different. Ponting and former Indian coach had raised questions on Mohammed Shami's injury management.

Shami's return was expected.

Star bowler Mohammed Shami has not been able to return to Team India since the 2023 World Cup. He had ankle surgery and was away from cricket for a long time. But in July-August last year, there was speculation about his return. But Shami could not make a comeback even in the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Shami returned to domestic cricket and performed strongly. But after hearing the news of swelling in the leg, no risk was taken on the star bowler.

What did Ravi Shastri say?

Ravi Shastri said in the ICC review, 'To be honest, I am quite surprised by what was going on in the media and ultimately what happened to Mohammed Shami. Where is he when it comes to staying fit? I don't know how long he has been in the NCA (Indian Cricket Academy). A proper conversation could be had about their situation. If I had to decide, I would bring him to Australia. If he had been there, we could have changed the results of Melbourne and Sydney Test in our favor.

Ricky Ponting supported

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting also supported Ravi Shastri. He said, 'I really wonder why he was not included in the middle of the series. Even if he bowls less overs, he can still make a difference. When you asked me initially (in the last ICC review) what would be the result of the series, I had said that Australia would win 3-1 because Shami is not in the Indian team. I think if Shami, Bumrah and Siraj had been in their starting team, the result could have been different.

When will he return?

Mohammed Shami is now all set to make a comeback. Recently she has shared a video of her practice on Instagram, in which she looks absolutely fit. Now it remains to be seen whether Shami will return in the white ball series against England starting from January 22 or not.