Mohammed Shami will be a big miss for India: Steve Harmison on India pacer's importance for England Tests

Former cricketer Steve Harmison believes that India will miss the services of Mohammed Shami in the upcoming five-match Test series against England, which is slated to begin on January 25 in Hyderabad. He lauded the pacer and called him one of the best bowlers at the moment, and added that the cricketer may come to the equation and join Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj after recovering from an ankle injury.

He also added that both India and England will be happy with their pace-bowling unit ahead of the Test series. The former pacer reminded that England's James Anderson had done well on his last visit to India and stated that the likes of Ollie Robinson, Mark Wood and Gus Atkinson will come in handy throughout the course of the series. He further added that the Three Lions had picked up the four best pacers that were available.

“Both teams would be happy with their fast-bowling line-ups. Mohammed Shami is one of the best bowlers of the present time, whether it’s red-ball or white-ball cricket. He will be a big miss for India in the initial period. India are well-suited with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, but if Shami is available later, he will enter the equation,” Harmison was quoted as saying by ETV Bharat.

England have picked their best four pace options: Harmison

“England have James Anderson, who did bowl well when he was in India last time. I can see him doing the same thing again, as England are going to use his experience wisely. So, they might go in with one of Anderson, Robinson, Wood or Atkinson in these games, where England would need a sublime and skilful fast bowler. England have picked their best four possible fast-bowling options,” he added.

Meanwhile, latest reports have suggested that Shami is currently undergoing rehab, and may miss the entire England series and the early part of the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League. His return is not yet guaranteed, as the team management is in no mood to rush him.