India’s former skipper Sunil Gavaskar expressed his opinion on the host team’s decision to rest senior fast bowler Mohammed Shami during the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. After winning the first two Tests of the series, India suffered a defeat in the third Test in Indore, where Shami was replaced by Umesh Yadav.
Shami made his return in the fourth Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. However, on Day 1, the Australian team led by Steve Smith, opted to bat first after winning the toss and scored 255/4 by stumps.
On Day 2, Australia continued their momentum as they did not lose a wicket in the first session. During Shami’s over, Sunil Gavaskar, who was on commentary duty, expressed his opinion about the Indian team’s decision to rest the senior pacer in the third Test. Gavaskar believed that resting Shami was not a wise decision by the hosts, and criticized the Indian team’s choice.
“Resting Mohammed Shami was not a smart move. You had 8 days break between the 2nd and the 3rd Test. He bowled military medium in his first two deliveries. That’s how it’s got to be. The batter is nervous, he is not yet off the mark. If he sees the ball go harmlessly to the keeper, he gets an opportunity to see what the pitch is doing. He can then mentally start to relax just that little bit,” said Gavaskar.
