Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Shami Out as India and Australia Gear Up for Epic Clash

Former Australian captain Tim Paine reflects on the impact of Mohammed Shami's absence from the upcoming India-Australia Test series. With Shami sidelined due to an ankle injury, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting November 22 at Perth, promises high stakes as Rohit Sharma leads the Indian squad.

As anticipation builds for the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia, former Australian skipper Tim Paine has voiced his thoughts on India's key bowler Mohammed Shami missing the series. The right-arm seamer has been sidelined since November due to an ankle injury sustained after the ODI World Cup 2023.

Paine, speaking on The Grade Cricketer podcast, remarked, "Shami is going to be a huge difference; Bumrah, there is so much on his shoulders. If he gets hurt, then it's curtains for me." The series is set to kick-off on November 22 with the first Test match in Perth, a much-anticipated face-off between the two cricketing giants.

The second Test, featuring a day-night format, is scheduled from December 6 to 10 at the Adelaide Oval, while the series will move to The Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test from December 14 to 18. The traditional Boxing Day Test will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30, ahead of the series climax at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7, 2025.

Shami's omission from the squad was announced last week as India revealed their team lineup for the five-match series in Australia. Rohit Sharma will captain the Indian side, with Jasprit Bumrah as vice-captain. The roster includes notable names such as Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and newcomers aiming to make their mark.

(With inputs from agencies.)