India’s tour of Australia 2020-21 starts with the 3-match ODI series from November 27. It will follow the 3-match T20I series and then the four-match Test series. Meanwhile, as per reports in Outlook, the BCCI will rotate Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami keeping in mind their workload ahead of the Test series.
With both the bowlers key for the Test series, BCCI is looking for ways to keep them fresh for all four matches. It may be possible that both Bumrah and Shami will play the ODIs and rested for the T20Is before the Test matches.
BCCI Looking to Rotate Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami in ODIs, T20Is
The Indian team management is focused on the workload management of Bumrah and Shami ahead of the start of the Test series. India’s second and third T20 Internationals will be coinciding with the first warm-up game for the Tests.
“If both (Bumrah and Shami) play the T20 Internationals (on Dec 4, 6 and 8), then they will have one warm-up match less which I don’t think the team management will fancy at this moment,” a source said.
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Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami was seen practicing with the pink and the red ball. If that is a hint at all, Shami might be focusing more on the red-ball series.
If Shami and Bumrah are both rested from the T20Is, the likes of Navdeep Saini, T Natarajan, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar are the available options with the ball.
With Ishant Sharma doubtful for the first Test, the BCCI and the team management would like to keep Shami and Bumrah fit for the Test series.
Kohli to miss 3 Tests
Meanwhile, India will be already missing regular skipper Virat Kohli for the final three Test matches owing to the birth of his first child. BCCI has already granted his paternity leave for the same.
“…Mr Virat Kohli had informed the BCCI about his plans to return to India after the first Test in Adelaide. The BCCI has granted paternity leave to the Indian captain. He will return after the first Test against Australia in Adelaide,” stated the BCCI press release.
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