'The man has grown in stature' - Former India wicket-keeper gives his views on Mohammed Shami missing 1st Test between India and South Africa

The 1st Test between South Africa and India has been a game where the hosts have all the control. After getting India bowled out for 245, the South Africa batters have made things even tougher for the visitors. The hosts are currently 256-5 at the end of day 2 and have already got the lead. With Dean Elgar still unbeaten on 140 and 5 wickets in hand, it is safe to say that the Proteas still have the game in their grasp and will be looking to increase their lead further. The Indians have to make a comeback and get some early wickets on day 3 to get back in the game to make sure they have enough chances in the match.

The India bowlers were struggling with their line and lengths on Day 2 as they were not able to make vital breakthroughs in the match. Even though Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj were still looking threatening and had a couple of scalps each to prove, it was Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna who the South Africans had taken apart. Both these bowlers had an economy of over 4 runs per over. It is safe to say that the services of Mohammad Shami were missing, who could have been the difference on this seaming wicket in Centurion. There were also a lot of experts who explained why the presence of Shami was important in this Test.

Dinesh Karthik’s views 

Former wicketkeeper batter Dinesh Karthik also had a lot to say about the pacer. While speaking to Cricbuzz, he said, “The man has grown in stature as a bowler and as a leader of the pack. He is an able lieutenant to Jasprit Bumrah. You can imagine with the upright seam on this kind of pitch. I promise you, he would have gotten a few wickets. The Indian team really misses him." With this the Nidahas trophy champion also gave his views on the poor performances of Prasidh and Shardul who had a terrible outing yesterday.

He further stated “Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna going for close to 118 runs in their 27 overs. On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj went for just 111 in their 31 overs. Siraj was a tad bit expensive, especially in the last spell, they also bowled some brilliant balls. You could see every time they were on, you got the feeling that they could get you a wicket or two. Whereas with Shardul or Prasidh, you had to wait for a batter to make a mistake." This statement was enough to tell us the impact Shami has made with his ability to move the ball both ways and hit the length consistently.