India vs Australia: ‘If Ishant Sharma is fit, send him to Australia now,’ suggests Sunil Gavaskar

India vs Australia: ‘If Ishant Sharma is fit, send him to Australia now,’ suggests Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar, Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami

Sunil Gavaskar, Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami
Sunil Gavaskar, Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami

India is off to the worst possible start in the Border Gavaskar Trophy as they lost the series opener by eight wickets. After an impressive bowling effort, India were bowled out for a paltry 36, their lowest ever total in Test cricket. Thus handing Australia an easy victory at Adelaide. This batting collapse will play a huge factor in the series with as many as three more matches to go.

Adding to India’s woes, star pacer Mohammed Shami has been ruled out of the remainder of the series with a fracture. Shami was hit on his bowling arm during the second innings and scans revealed a fracture in the arm. Former India opener Sunil Gavaskar reckons that this might be a huge blow for the visitors along with captain Virat Kohli‘s departure. Gavaskar feels India will miss the Bengal pacer’s experience and ability to take wickets.

“It (Shami injury) is a big problem. he has the knack of taking wickets, he can shock the opposition with his bouncers and yorkers. If he is not playing, then it’s going to be trouble for India,” Gavaskar told Sports Tak.

There is no proper back-up

Mohammad Siraj and Navdeep Saini
Mohammad Siraj and Navdeep Saini

The legendary batsman asserts that there is no back up for the experience of Shami in the side. While India boasts of Navdeep Saini and Mohammad Siraj in the reserves. Gavaskar suggested that Ishant Sharma should be sent Down Under if he is fit. He adds that while the young talents are promising, they lack the edge to scalp wickets, especially against a star-studded Aussie line up.

While there is no word about Ishant’s inclusion in the side. Reports suggest that Siraj might make his Test debut at the iconic MCG.

“If Ishant Sharma is fit, I am suggesting to send him to Australia now. If he is capable of bowling 20 overs in a day, the management should send him to Australia on tomorrow’s flight so that he can be ready for the Sydney Test,” he said.

“I am saying India should look at taking a chance because there is no proper back-up now. Navdeep Saini has the potential to pick wickets but the way he bowled in the warm-up matches, it doesn’t look like he will be able to trouble the Australia batsmen,” he further added.

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