The BCCI has recently announced India's squad for the England Test series. Ajit Agarkar, the head of the selection panel, made some sweeping decisions. Shubman Gill was appointed as the new Test skipper following Rohit Sharma's retirement. Karun Nair and Shardul Thakur returned to the side, while many names such as Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan and Mohammed Shami did not make into the squad. Many fans were surprised and upset for Shami not being in India's squad for England Test. But there are a few clear reasons why Mohammed Shami’s absence may not be a big problem for India. Shami’s Average Record in England Shami has played 14 Test matches in England and has bagged 42 wickets. That sounds good, but his average in bowling is more than 40, while his strike rate (balls faced to take a wicket) is almost 70. These are not good figures for an elite fast bowler like Mohammed Shami. Indeed, it is in England that Shami has his worst Test bowling average. He has never claimed a fifer there. Specialists explain that the issue is that Shami bowls slightly too short, which does not suit English conditions. Due to this, he tends to miss the edge of the bat and get labelled "unlucky." His bowling is much suitable for the Australian kind of conditions where extra bounce and hit the deck bowling would help in getting good purchase. Also Read | Ajit Agarkar explains why Karun Nair was preferred over Sarfaraz Khan His Continuing Fitness Issues Shami contributed significantly to India's campaign in the 2023 World Cup but has been plagued by injuries ever since. He suffered an ankle injury and was out of action for many matches. Although he came back during the Champions Trophy, he did not appear as fast or sharp. Recently, his MRI scans revealed new injury problems. The BCCI medical staff informed the selectors that Shami could not play all five Tests. That was one of the key reasons he was not selected. India's Strong and Fit Pace Attack India has a lot of fit fast bowlers in good form currently. Jasprit Bumrah will be leading the pace attack. Mohammed Siraj is in good shape and poised to assist him. Prasidh Krishna provides additional speed and bounce, something that will come in handy in England. His recent form for Gujarat Titans is one of the key factors behind his consideration. Shardul Thakur and Nitish Reddy are pace-bowling all-rounders who can contribute both ball and bat. Arshdeep Singh is a swing bowler well suited to English conditions. India is nicely covered with this balanced set of bowlers for the series. There is ample variety and depth in the team even without Shami. Also Read | ‘There is no room for him’: Ajit Agarkar explains Shreyas Iyer’s omission from India’s Test squad Conclusion Mohammed Shami is an excellent bowler, but his recent performances and fitness issues make it easier for India to cope without him. His previous form in England has not been impressive, and India has plenty of more agile and fitter fast bowlers now. That's the reason why the team may not miss Shami that much in this Test series.