India’s tour of England: Shami begins preparation for Tests

There might be an air of doubt about Mohammed Shami’s ability to last a five-Test series but former national selection committee members MSK Prasad, Devang Gandhi, Jatin Paranjpe and Gagan Khoda are unequivocal that the ‘Amroha Express’ is a must-pick for the tour of England. Shami has played nine IPL games this season for Sunrisers Hyderabad with only six wickets in his kitty and has gone for over 11 runs per over.

My captain would be Jasprit Bumrah (in pic) as he has already proven himself as a leader. As far as my vice-captain is concerned, I would like Shubman Gill to gain some experience. In case you have a problem with Bumrah’s fitness then my choice is KL Rahul —  MSK Prasad, former chairman of selectors

However, it has been learnt that Shami has already started bowling with the red Dukes ball at the SRH nets with an eye on the England tour, now that SRH’s playoff qualification hopes have been dashed.

The Indian squad, which is expected to comprise 16 members, will be one of the trickiest ones to select in recent times as there is a debate around who the new captain should be.

While the former committee members differed on their choice of the vice-captain, they were unanimous that one can’t look beyond Jasprit Bumrah even though there remains a question mark over his fitness status.

“My captain would be Bumrah as he has already proven himself as a leader. As far as my vice-captain is concerned, I would like Shubman Gill to gain some experience. In case you have a problem with Bumrah’s fitness then my choice is KL Rahul,” former chairman of selectors Prasad said. “As far as my assessment goes, if we are taking 16, then I would want a left-arm swing bowler and my choice is Arshdeep Singh. I would like KL Rahul to bat No. 4,” he added.

Gandhi said it is “surprising” that there is a debate about whether Shami would make it to the Indian team. “Unless he is carrying an injury… The IPL is not an indicator of someone’s Test match form. You need someone of Shami’s calibre in England,” Gandhi said.

“For captaincy, it would be unfair if you don’t consider Bumrah for leadership. As far as Bumrah’s deputy goes, this is the time to show faith in Rishabh Pant,” he added.

Paranjpe also went with Bumrah and Pant in the leadership roles, while Khoda backed Rahul for captaincy.

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