Afghanistan Test: Shami OUT, Saini IN

New Delhi, June 11: India Pacer Mohammed Shami on Monday failed the Yo-Yo fitness test, prompting the selectors to summon rookie Delhi speedster Navdeep Saini for the one-off historic Test against Afghanistan starting June 14.

Saini is currently one of the quickest red ball bowlers in the domestic circuit and has been touted by many as one for the future after his consistent Ranji Trophy performance in the past two seasons.

Saini impressed in the 2017-18 Ranji season, picking up 34 wickets in eight games and was also called up to bowl to the Indian batsmen during the tour of South Africa.

Interestingly, his childhood coach Badruddin is surprised by the turn of events as his ward bowled full throttle at the nets in Moradabad a couple of days back before leaving for Bengaluru.

Speaking to media, Badruddin said that the news came as a surprise as he was with Shami when he was training in his hometown and looked fine. In fact, the pacer also worked on his batting in the sessions he had with the coach.