India's pace bowling stocks take a hit as Mohammed Shami ruled out for series
India have been hit with another setback with confirmation fast bowler Mohammed Shami will be unavailable for the Melbourne and Sydney Tests.
Shami hasn't been part of the squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with mystery surrounding his absence and officially won't take part in any Tests.
The BCCI released a statement confirming left knee swelling was the reason after captain Rohit Sharma was none the wiser surrounding his fast bowler's fitness when asked after the Brisbane Test.
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"Shami bowled 43 overs in the Ranji Trophy match for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh in November," the statement read.
Mohammed Shami. Getty
"Following this, he played in all nine games of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he also engaged in additional bowling sessions on the sidelines to build his bowling volume in order to get ready for the Test matches.
"However, his left knee has exhibited minor swelling due to increased joint loading from his bowling workload. The swelling is on the expected lines, owing to the increased bowling after a prolonged period.
"Based on the current medical assessment, the BCCI medical team has determined that his knee requires more time for controlled exposure to bowling loads. Consequently, he has not been deemed fit for consideration for the remaining two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy."
News around Shami's injury comes after Ravi Ashwin suddenly retired following the Brisbane Test.
Rohit Sharma and Ravi Ashwin during the latter's retirement. Fox Cricket
Mumbai off-spinner Tanush Kotian has been named as his replacement for the final two Tests.
Kotian has taken 101 first class wickets at 25.70 from 33 matches.
The 26-year-old also averages 41.21 with the bat with two centuries to his name.
