India’s Mohammed Siraj appeals unsuccessfully for the wicket of Australia’s Steve Smith during play on day two of the third cricket test between India and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane, Australia. (AP)
Former India player Irfan Pathan rued the lack of the team’s pace bowling options in the Champions Trophy squad, saying that Mohammed Siraj could have been included in the team due to Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness concerns.
“You need a backup pacer. Siraj could have been a good option. In Dubai, playing four spinners isn’t viable. With Bumrah and Shami returning from injuries, it won’t be easy for them straight away. A pacer like Siraj would have filled that gap. That said, we hope the selectors’ choices perform well, and we should back them,” he added.
Bumrah had suffered a back niggle in the five-match Test series in Australia and could not bowl in the second innings of the fifth Test in Sydney. Pacer Mohammad Shami is expected top lead India’s pace attack in he tournament and is currently with the Indian team playing the white ball series against England at home.
However, the bowler who was heavily tipped tp return to action for India in the 1st T20I against England at Kolkata on Wednesday, did not make it to the playing XI in his team’s win against the Three Lions.
“When you’ve been such a seasoned campaigner and are among India’s top 10 bowlers, you understand your body’s limits well,” said Irfan about Shami’s exclusion.
“Shami always provides honest feedback to the team management, and decisions are made through mutual communication. Recovery at the highest level takes time, especially after playing consistently. I believe he and the team management will make the right call at the right time,” he added.
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