'India isn't going to lose the series': Michael Hussey claims Mohammed Shami's absence won't matter

Michael Hussey has weighed in on India’s upcoming challenge in Australia in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, starting with the first Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth from November 22.

The Indian cricket team has landed Down Under without their ace pacer Mohammed Shami. As the Indian cricket team is gearing up for the high-voltage five-match Test series, the absence of Mohammed Shami poses a significant void in their bowling attack in Australia, where the pitches have traditionally tested the endurance and skill of visiting pacers.

Michael Hussey weighs in on Mohammed Shami's absence in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

With Mohammed Shami sidelined due to uncertain fitness, the weight of responsibility falls squarely on the shoulders of Jasprit Bumrah and his supporting fast-bowling cast in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. And Michael Hussey acknowledged this gap as a significant setback but emphasized the quality and depth that Indian fast bowling possesses even without Shami.

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Shami’s ability to exploit Australia’s fast, bouncy pitches has historically given India an edge, but this time, the seasoned pacer is back in India, and his availability remains uncertain. Ahead of the Perth Test, Hussey said that Mohammed Shami is a world-class bowler, and his absence is a huge loss for the Indian cricket team, as they are aiming for a hat trick Down Under.

The former Australian cricketer noted that the current situation is not new to India, as Shami had missed much of the last Test series due to injury, and Mohammed Siraj, who seized his moment and shone under pressure, made a phenomenal debut.

Shami’s absence is a huge loss for India in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Hussey

Michael Hussey predicted that the current Indian squad could see a similar breakthrough, where talented bowlers in line for opportunities could bring game-changing performances to the table and surprise Australia in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He has hinted at the young guns Nitish Kumar Reddy, Akash Deep, and Harshit Rana.

Michael Hussey was quoted as saying Sportstar: “Well, there’s a lot of quality there. We have seen a little bit in snippets at the IPL and Test matches, and they proved it the last time they came to Australia. Shami’s absence is a huge loss. He’s a world-class bowler, but the last time the Indian team was here, they had the same problem. Shami got injured and missed much of the series and it was the emergence of (Mohammed) Siraj. He came in and performed so well.”

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Despite the weight of Shami’s absence, Hussey remains optimistic about India’s prospects in the upcoming five-match Test series in Australia, where they came after their embarrassing whitewash by New Zealand at home. He believes that the team's depth, experience, and versatility might ease Shami’s loss, enabling them to stage a fierce campaign in Australia.

Michael Hussey indirectly predicts India's triumph in Australia Test series

While Mohammed Shami's participation remains a question, the quality within India’s fast-bowling ranks could very well rise to the occasion and counter Australia’s powerful batting lineup, so the tourists should not be taken lightly in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, according to Hussey.

Hussey signed off by saying, “So, there are a lot of players, hoping for an opportunity and once they get it they can show the world how good they are. It would be a big loss if Shami can’t make it, but it doesn’t mean India is going to lose the series for that because there’s a lot of depth there.”