On December 26, India will return to Test action when it faces South Africa in a three-match away series. During Australia’s recent series against New Zealand, a majority of the first-choice players rested or were injured. 

In the first Test, Ashish Nehra says Siraj could partner Bumrah and Shami since India has a surplus of pace bowlers. Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah are among the players returning. There are several pacers who have impressed whites, increasing their chances of landing the third spot. 

“I believe Bumrah and Shami are the two automatic choices for India’s pace attack,” Nehra told Telegraph India. Mohammed Siraj might be the guy for the third spot. Siraj did fairly well in the second Test game against New Zealand. They even have someone like Umesh (Yadav), who has played 51 Tests so far. So it’s a good situation for India. Shardul Thakur is also a member of the Indian pace attack, but he will likely take on the role-playing all-rounder in the XI,” stated Nehra.