Harshit, who is only 10 first-class matches old, has reportedly been brilliant with his consistent pace over 140 clicks and his ability to extract good bounce has also impressed the bigwigs. During the India nets at the WACA ground in Perth, Harshit hurried the batters with his raw pace on many occasions.
On the other hand, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel spent considerable time with the Karnataka man, who was impressive during the recent A series against Australia at Mackay and Melbourne. Prasidh has experience of playing two Tests and can also hit the top of off-stump.
Shami is not to be rushed to Australia
Mohammed Shami’s international comeback might take place in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but it could happen during the second half of the series.
Those privy to developments said the BCCI medical team and national selectors want Shami to play a few more competitive games in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy to check if his body is holding up after multiple games even if it’s a white ball format tournament.
“Bengal team for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy will be selected tomorrow. If Shami is not going for the Border Gavaskar Trophy, I believe he will be available for Bengal,” head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla told PTI.
It is understood that the selection committee doesn’t want to take chances by fast-tracking Shami after just one Ranji Trophy match having completed an extensive rehabilitation programme.
However, Shami, who appeared in a competitive match after a year, was impressive in his outing for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh at Indore, returning with a seven-wicket match haul in his side’s first victory of the season.
(With PTI inputs)
