India pacer Mohammed Shami is set to miss the remaining three Tests against Australia after suffering a fracture on his bowling wrist during the third Day of the first Test. The pace spearhead was hit on the elbow by a Pat Cummins’ short ball during the visitors’ second innings on Saturday which ended at a record lowest score of 36/9.
The 30-year old couldn’t make it to the ground during India’s bowling and was then taken to a hospital for scans, which revealed a fracture. “Mohammed Shami has a fracture and the chances of him taking part in the remaining three Test matches is next to nil,” a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
India captain Virat Kohli had indicated that Shami’s injury looked bad at the post-match presentation ceremony as he said that the fast bowler found it difficult to even lift his arm.
“He was in a lot of pain, couldn’t even lift his arm. We’ll probably know in the evening what happens,” Kohli revealed after the visitors succumbed to an eight-wicket loss.
India was already missing the presence of Ishant Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the pace attack. Shami’s absence will be yet another big blow to Team India, who now trail 1-0 to Australia in the four-match series.
They will now face Australia in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG starting 26th December.