Picture Credit: BCCI
Days before the start of the Australia T20Is, Team India have been handed a major blow as speedster Mohammed Shami has been ruled out of the series after testing positive for COVID-19. A positive test for the infection means he has not been able to reach Mohali which is the venue for the first of the three-match series.
While there has not yet been an official confirmation from the BCCI, the same has been confirmed in a report carried out by Cricbuzz as well as news agency PTI. The PTI report also suggests that Umesh Yadav is all set to be included in the team as Shami's replacement after being declared fit by the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore. The fast bowler has been rewarded for a great show in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The same report suggests that Umesh will reach Mohali in time for the first T20I on September 20. This is a significant development, especially considering that Shami has not been part of the T20 plans lately but had been kept as a standby player for the T20 World Cup.
The series against Australia and South Africa would have been given some T20I game time to Shami, in case he is required to provide his services Down Under. However, the recent turn of events will be a setback to Shami and the team management.
