Legendary West Indies cricketer Andy Roberts has lauded Mohammed Shami, referring to him as "India's best bowler." Roberts, a formidable member of the renowned West Indies pace quartet alongside Michael Holding, Joel Garner, and Colin Croft, who instilled fear in batsmen worldwide during the 1970s and 1980s, remarked that while Jasprit Bumrah may secure more wickets, Shami represents the complete package, demonstrating superior control and the ability to seam and swing the ball in both directions.

"Shami has been India's premier bowler for an extended period. Although he may not achieve the same wicket tally as Jasprit Bumrah, he embodies the full package and exhibits greater consistency than his peers. Shami swings the ball, seams it effectively, and his control rivals that of Bumrah," Roberts stated in an interview with Mid-day.

Roberts, who amassed 202 wickets in 47 Test matches at an average of 25.61, expressed that Mohammed Siraj, regarded as India's second-best seamer after Bumrah in Australia, does not compare to Shami's caliber. "Shami should be selected. Mohammed Siraj is not on Shami's level," Roberts concluded.

When will Shami go to Australia?

Roberts' remarks arise during a period when Shami's participation in the remainder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy remains uncertain. The seasoned player, with 64 Test appearances, has not represented India since the ODI World Cup in November of the previous year. His most recent Test outing was also against Australia during the WTC final in June of last year.

Following a lengthy recovery from injury, Shami has demonstrated impressive form while playing for Bengal in a single Ranji Trophy match and several T20 games. He significantly contributed to Bengal's advancement to the knockout stage, claiming 8 wickets in seven matches with an economy rate of 7.67. In a crucial match against Chandigarh, Shami excelled with both bat and ball, scoring a vital 32 runs off 17 balls and delivering 13 dot balls in his four overs.

Although Shami has performed well in the Syed Mushtaq Ali matches, the National Cricket Academy has yet to provide clearance for his participation in the Tests against Australia. Following India's defeat in the second Test in Adelaide, captain Rohit Sharma remarked that "doors are always open for Shami," yet he has developed a new swelling in his knee that is under observation by the medical team.

The five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy is currently tied at 1-1, with the third Test scheduled to commence at the Gabba in Brisbane on Saturday. It is unlikely that Shami will be available for this match; however, the possibility of his participation in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne remains a consideration.

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