The service of Indian team's veteran pacer Mohammed Shami was severely missed in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia, as Jasprit Bumrah lacked backing.

Many cricketing greats including Ravi Shastri and Ricky Ponting believed that Shami being present in the series would have changed the series' outcome.

However, as the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar is yet to announce the Test squad for the upcoming red-ball series, Mohammed Shami is not one of the top pick as a pacer to the selectors.

A report in Times of India claims that Mohammed Shami has been struggling to finish his run-up.

It has been revealed that he has not been bowling well, and the ball is not carrying to the wicketkeeper as it used to do so previously. Notably, this fall in his bowling attack is because of Shami suffering an injury during the 2023 ODI World Cup.

'As of now, Shami isn't an automatic pick. It's been months since he has come back to international cricket but he has barely been in rhythm. While IPL performances are not usually considered while picking India teams, Shami is struggling to finish his run-up and the ball is not carrying to the wicketkeeper like it used to before his Achilles tendon injury after the 2023 ODI World Cup.

He invariably goes back to the dressing room after a short spell for recovery,' BCCI source told the English daily.

Mohammed Shami showing signs of trouble might be troublesome for the Indian team. This is also a disturbing sign to the selectors as they had hopes for either him or Jasprit Bumrah to play in every Test of the Five-match series.

'The initial plan was to ensure the team can at least play either of Shami or Bumrah in every Test. However, if Bumrah is rested for a match and Shami struggles to pull through, it will be a big issue.

They are trying to understand the problem Shami may be facing,' the source further added.

Mohammed Shami has played 14 Test matches in England, and has taken 42 wickets while averaging at 40.50. The veteran pacer is yet to claim a big number in the English soil, such as taking a five-wicket haul.,' the source further added.

Mohammed Shami has played 14 Test matches in England, and has taken 42 wickets while averaging at 40.50. The veteran pacer is yet to claim a big number in the English soil, such as taking a five-wicket haul.