Aus vs Ind: Shami Likely To Miss Remaining Tests

Adelaide: Right-arm India fast bowler Mohammed Shami is likely to miss the remaining three Tests of the ongoing four-match series against Australia after scans on his bowling hand revealed hairline fracture, it has been learnt.

Shami was hit on the right hand just above the wrist on Saturday by a delivery from Australia pacer Pat Cummins as the India No. 11 tried to take evasive action. He could not pick the bat due to severe pain and had to retire hurt as India's second innings folded for 36.

A source confirmed, "It looks like he (Shami) will not play the series."

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is, however, yet to issue a statement on this.

India suffered an embarrasing eight-wicket loss on the third day of the pink-ball Test at the Adelaide Oval.

After the match, skipper Virat Kohli had said that Shami was in a lot of pain and was taken to a hospital for scans.

"No news on Shami, he's going for a scan now. He was in a lot of pain and couldn't even lift his arm. We'll probably know in the evening what happens," Kohli had said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

If Shami is ruled out of the series, it would deepen India's fast bowling crisis as Ishant Sharma is already out due to injury.

The two teams will meet again in the second Test beginning December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where Team India will be without the services of Kohli and in his absence, Ajinkya Rahane will lead the side.

Sydney, Brisbane Tests could be switched following new Covid-19 cluster

The third and the fourth Test of the ongoing series between Australia and India, currently scheduled to be played in Sydney and Brisbane next month, could be switched following a new Covid-19 cluster in Sydney.

According to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald, Cricket Australia are mulling over the idea of taking the third Test to The Gabba and switching the fourth match of the series to the Sydney Cricket Ground. According to the cricket board, the leading option was still to play third Test in Sydney but if not, the third match could be played in Brisbane from January 7-11 and the fourth one could be played in Sydney from January 15-19, the report further said.

The plan of holding the third Test in Brisbane has surfaced as it would allow the Australian and Indian teams, and television broadcast crews, to cross borders more easily.

If the Queensland government decides to close its border to people from Sydney due to the growing Covid-19 cluster in Sydney then it could make it impossible to travel from Sydney to Brisbane.

Another option which CA could look upon is to host the next two Tests in Melbourne, where the series will resume on Boxing Day (December 26) as it would require less movement for the administrators and broadcasters.

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Sunday announced increased restrictions as she revealed 30 new cases of community transmission, 28 of them linked to the Avalon outbreak and the other two from the northern beaches as well, the SMH report stated.

Australia have already taken a 1-0 lead in the series, following their emphatic eight-wicket win over India in the first Test played at the Adelaide Oval.

(IANS)