Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes Mohammed Shami absence in the last two tests Granica-Gavaskar Trophy cost India crucial lead in the series.
Looking back at India’s 1-3 series defeat AustraliaPonting shared his thoughts on The ICC Review. He suggested that Shami’s experience and skills could have made a significant difference in a very tight series.
Ponting questions Shami’s absence
Ponting expressed his surprise that Shami was not invited after the series was tied at 1-1. Shami could prove to be the perfect partner for Jasprit Bumrahwho was in red-hot form.
“I was really surprised when he (Shami) wasn’t dropped even halfway through the series, two Test matches,” Ponting said. “If Shami, even if he wasn’t fully fit, had to bowl fewer overs in a day, you had a backup seam bowling option to help him. I think he could have been the difference.”
Ponting also highlighted how crucial it is that Shami of India attack tempo. He felt that the trio of Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj could have changed the outcome of the series.
Shastri echoes Ponting’s thoughts
Former India chief selector Ravi Shastri backed Ponting’s view, underlining Shami’s importance in high-pressure games. Shastri noted that Shami’s presence alongside Bumrah could have brought balance to India’s bowling attack.
“It got so tight at 1-1 in Melbourne. You just needed that experience and support,” Shastri said. “For all you know, he may have also raised the bar. There were two guys there – Bumrah and Shami.”
Shastri compared the situation to Australian usage Pat Cummins and Scott Boland. He explained that having an experienced pacer like Shami would reduce the pressure on the younger Indian bowlers.
Shami’s experience could have changed the situation
Ponting and Shastri agreed that Shami’s absence has left a void in India’s bowling unit. While Mohammed Siraj showed determination, they felt the team needed someone with Shami’s experience to step up in crunch moments.
“No matter how hard Siraj tried, you needed Shami’s experience there,” added Shastri. “He knows how to handle those situations.”
What-if scenario
Ponting also recalled his earlier prediction that Australia would win the series 3-1, citing Shami’s absence as a key factor. He claimed that with Shami in the lineup, India could have pushed Australia harder in the last two Tests.
“When you asked me at the start what I thought the score would be, I said 3-1 Australia because Shami wasn’t there. That’s how important I thought he was for India,” Ponting reiterated.
Shami’s last Test for India was World Exam Championship Final against Australia in June 2023 at The Oval.
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