'He'll Go Really Well': Matthew Hayden Advocates for India Pace Bowler to Fill Mohammad Shami's Role

As Team India prepares to battle the Australia challenge in the Perth Test, Team India is missing out on a number of superstar cricketers. One of the team's biggest voids is pacer Mohammed Shami, who is not a part of the Border Gavaskar Trophy this year. The Men in Blue would miss out on Shami's effectiveness in Australian tracks. But Matthew Hayden believes the team has a potential replacement for the star pace bowler.

Matthew Hayden Deems India Star As Potential Mohammad Shami Replacement For BGT Tests  

During a press conference, Matthew Hayden opined over India and Australia's pace battery, which features some classic pace bowlers who are set to be in action. Hayden also opined on who would be Mohammad Shami's replacement in the series, saying that Akash Deep is the one who comes the closest to Shami's role. He added that Deep could play a pivotal role in the Perth and Adelaide Tests.

"One of the aspects I'm looking forward to is the competition within the competition - the world-class bowling line-ups of both Australia and India. There's also the question of who will replace Mohammed Shami, who bowled brilliantly, not just in Perth - where he's the highest wicket-taker with six wickets at an average of 22 - but across the summer. His effectiveness is particularly crucial in day-night Tests, where seamers shine under twilight conditions.

"Amongst the three seamers, Hashit Rana, Akash Deep, and Prasidh Krishna. A like for like, I know Prasidh Krishna did pretty well in the unofficial test matches, but Akash Deep, for me, is probably the nearest replacement to a Mohammad Shami-type role, potentially even a little bit taller as well. So I think he'll go really well in both Perth and Adelaide," Matthew Hayden said.

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Mohammad Shami has made a successful return to cricket as he competes for Bengal in domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy. In his return match, he scalped seven wickets throughout the play and helped Bengal in securing a win. The India pacer has also been named for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy tournament. Mohammad Shami is yet to make a return to International cricket, and the BCCI is keeping a close eye on the pace bowler's health and fitness.

Team India is all set to lock horns against Australia in the first test match, which is all set to happen in Perth at the Optus Stadium, starting November 22, 2024.

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