Ricky Ponting says India missed Mohammed Shami in BGT

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes Muhammad Al-Shami Absence in the last two tests of Border Gavaskar Trophy It cost India a decisive advantage in the series.

Thinking about India’s 1-3 series loss to AustraliaPonting shared his thoughts on the ICC review. He noted that Shami’s experience and skills could have made a huge difference in a closely contested series.

Ponting wonders about Shami’s absence

Ponting expressed his surprise that Shami was not called up after the series was 1-1. Al-Shami would have been the perfect partner for him Jasprit Bumrahwhich was in a red hot state.

“I was really surprised when he (Shami) wasn’t flown out even in the middle of the series, as there were two Test matches,” Ponting said. “If Shami, even if he was not fully fit, had to bowl fewer overs in a day, you had a backup bowling option to help him. I think he could have made the difference.”

Ponting also highlighted how important Shami is India Attack tempo. He believed 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 coach Ravi Shastri supported Ponting’s point of view, stressing the importance of Shami in high-pressure matches. Shastri pointed out that Shami’s presence alongside Bumrah could have brought balance to the Indian bowling attack.

“It got very close when it was 1-1 in Melbourne. You just need that experience and support,” Shastri said. “For all you know, he might have raised the bar as well. “There could have been two men – Bumrah and Shami.”

Shastri compared the situation to Australia’s use of Pat cumin And Scott Boland. He explained that the presence of an experienced player like Shami would have eased the pressure on young bowlers in India.

Al-Shami’s experience could have made the difference

Both Ponting and Shastri agreed that Shami’s absence has left a gap in the Indian bowling unit. while Muhammad Siraj They showed determination, and felt the team needed someone with Shami’s experience to step up in crucial moments.

“As hard as Siraj tried, I needed Shami’s experience there,” Shastri added. “He knows how to handle those situations.”

British politicians call on England to boycott the Champions Cup match against Afghanistan

What if scenario

Ponting also referred to his previous prediction of Australia winning the series 3-1, citing Shami’s absence as a key factor. He stressed that with Shami in the squad, India could have pushed Australia harder in the last two Tests.

“When you initially asked me what I thought the score was, I said 3-1 to Australia because Shami wasn’t there. “That’s how important I felt it was for India,” Ponting reiterated.

It was Shami’s last Test for India World Test Championship Final against Australia in June 2023 at The Oval.

Stay updated with all the cricket happenings, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, twitter, cable and Instagram