• Source:JND
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In a major blow for India, India pacer Mohammed Shami is likely to miss the upcoming first two Tests of the five-match series against England. Shami has yet to recover from his ankle injury, which recently ruled him out of the two Tests against South Africa.

India are slated to host England after the conclusion of the T20I series against Afghanistan. The first Test between India and England will be played in Hyderabad, starting on January 25. The second Test will be played in Visakhapatnam from February 2.   

Meanwhile, India batter Suryakumar Yadav will take longer than expected to return to action as he will undergo hernia surgery abroad to be completely fit for the upcoming IPL season.

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In the absence of Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returned to the T20I side after a gap of more than 14 months. Rohit will don the captain's hat for the Afghanistan T20Is, commencing on January 11.

“Shami hasn’t even started to bowl, he will have to go to NCA and prove his fitness. He looks doubtful for the first two Tests against England. Whereas in Yadav’s case he will take more time than expected. After his hernia operation it might take up to eight-nine weeks for him to start training. Hopefully he will be fit during the IPL,” Indian Express quoted a BCCI source as saying.

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As per the report, BCCI is consulting a specialist for Suryakuamr's diagnosis and he is expected to be sent abroad for surgery.

Earlier, Shami was named in India's Test squad for the South Africa tour but his availability was subject to his fitness. However, the pacer was ruled out of the series after BCCI's Medical Team did not give a green signal on his fitness.

For the home Tests against England, Shami is likely to be replaced by Shardul Thakur or Mukesh Kumar while Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will lead the pace-bowling attack. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja will dominate the spin-bowling attack on favourable home conditions.