Delhi pacer Harshit Rana is shaping up as a formidable competitor to senior teammate Prasidh Krishna for the third seamer’s role in India’s playing XI for the first Test against Australia in Perth, starting November 22. Despite having played only ten first-class matches, Harshit has impressed selectors with his ability to consistently bowl at speeds exceeding 140 clicks while generating sharp bounce. His raw pace has reportedly caused trouble for batters during training sessions at the WACA ground in Perth, enhancing his prospects of making a strong debut. On the other hand, Prasidh Krishna, under the mentorship of bowling coach Morne Morkel, is also making a compelling case with his precise bowling and prior Test experience. Having featured in two Tests, Prasidh’s ability to hit the top of the off-stump, combined with his recent performances in the A series against Australia in Mackay and Melbourne, adds weight to his candidacy.
Meanwhile, discussions surrounding Mohammed Shami’s return to the national side during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy are ongoing, with a focus on ensuring his readiness. The BCCI medical team and selectors are reportedly keen for Shami to play additional matches in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy to assess his endurance over multiple games, even in the shorter format. Bengal head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla has hinted at Shami’s potential participation in the state team for the tournament as the national selectors deliberate on his inclusion in the Test squad.
After completing a rigorous rehabilitation process, Shami made a notable comeback in Bengal’s Ranji Trophy fixture against Madhya Pradesh in Indore. His seven-wicket haul played a crucial role in Bengal securing their first win of the season. However, the selectors are cautious about fast-tracking him back into the international arena based on a single first-class appearance, prioritizing a step-by-step approach to ensure his readiness for the rigors of Test cricket.
As India prepares for the highly anticipated series, the performances and fitness levels of these pacers will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s composition for the opening Test.