This all-rounder will play a huge role for India in Border-Gavaskar Trophy, says former Proteas cricketer

NEW DELHI: Former South African cricketer Paul Adams has tipped India's star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja to play a decisive role against Australia in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, starting on November 22 in Perth.

The player, known for his skillful spin and useful lower-order batting, is expected to be a vital asset despite Aussie pitches traditionally not favouring spinners.

The absence of Mohammed Shami from India's bowling attack will be keenly felt on Australia's quick and lively pitches, according to Adams.


He recognised Shami's exceptional skill to deliver results across diverse playing conditions and suggested that India's prospects would be notably diminished without the experienced fast bowler in their lineup.

"I think he (Shami) will be a major miss for India against Australia eyeing the conditions. The pace and bouncy wickets in Australia would have helped India in gaining an upper hand if Shami had been in the squad but that's not in the selector's hand as he is recovering, but I think he will be missed," IANS quoted Adams as saying in a virtual interaction.

Shami played a pivotal role in India's historic maiden Test series victory in Australia during the 2018-19 season. His impressive tally of 16 wickets across four matches, with an average of 26.18, demonstrated his exceptional ability to generate bounce and movement off the seam.

With Shami's absence from the team, Adams pointed out that deputy skipper Jasprit Bumrah and fellow pacers in the Indian contingent face heightened expectations. However, he emphasises that the all-rounders, particularly the versatile Jadeja, will be crucial contributors throughout the five-Test contest.

"We all saw what he did in the ODI World Cup 2023, he single-handedly carried the Indian pace attack and he is someone who has the ability to extract from any pitches around the world despite the conditions. The seam position and the length are just extraordinary. The pressure will be on vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah and other pacers but I believe it will be all-rounders who will play a huge role for India, especially Ravindra Jadeja," he added.