Exclusive: Harshit Rana could be a great package to build on, says former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey

Young and uncapped fast bowler Harshit Rana is India's surprise selection for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a five-match Test series against Australia, starting November 22 in Perth. The right-arm pacer's ability to clock to the north of 140kmph consistently with pace and bounce fast-tracked his case.

The 22-year-old may not feature in the first few Tests, as India will likely continue with the regular combination of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep. However, workload management or other bowlers' lack of form could test the bench.

Standing at six feet two inches, Rana could do what a young Ishant Sharma did in the 2007-08 tour. Former India international and erstwhile bowling coach of the Indian cricket team Paras Mhambrey backed the youngster to come good. "I had seen him when he traveled with us to South Africa. I saw him in a practice game and a couple of net sessions. He is a tall guy and can get movement off the wicket," he told Sportsboom.com.

Rana has only played in 10 first-class matches for Delhi and has 43 wickets at an economy of 3.99 and two five-wicket hauls. He shot to fame in the Indian Premier League earlier this year after 19 wickets for the champion team, Kolkata Knight Riders, coached by current India head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Mhambrey agreed there is lack of experience in red-ball cricket, but reasoned that players grow only with opportunities. "You have to see what he brings to the table. You need to see the potential and fitness, if he can last the spells. The coaches and selectors must have been happy with these factors. If not five games, if required he can play in a couple of Tests," he added.

Gambhir pushed for Rana's selection at the BGT. And recently, he picked up a five-for against Assam in the Ranji Trophy apart from hitting a fifty batting at No. 8. "People have seen him in white-ball cricket, but the consistency and skill sets are there [for Tests], besides the ability to read the situation. He could be a great package to build on. Sometimes, you have to take such steps. You have to bank on someone if you feel he has it in him. A player can mature with opportunities," added Mhambrey, who won the T20 World Cup with the Indian cricket team in June.

Right-arm pacer Akash Deep is only five Tests old. He has improved with every Test. "Akash Deep has been impressive with the way he moves the ball. He comes round the wicket and takes the ball away from the left-hander, which is great. It is an effective delivery and few bowlers can do that, but Akash has that angle. He will be comfortable doing this to right-handers too," said Mhambrey, who recently returned to the IPL as bowling coach of Mumbai Indians.

When to rest Jasprit Bumrah?

A five-Test series can be tiring for the fast bowlers. How India uses Jasprit Bumrah will be key on those wickets, apart from understanding the nuances of the Kookaburra ball. "Australia is a challenging venue, and the Kookaburra is a challenging ball. It moves and seams around for 35-odd overs. It gets difficult for the bowlers after the seam gets flatter. The focus will be on picking early wickets," said Mhambrey.

"The team also has to take tactical calls regarding Bumrah. He is coming from a lot of Test cricket. Which game do you rest him will be a tough call, but one good part about him is that he enjoys Test cricket. He loves it," he added.

Meanwhile, senior India pacer Mohammed Shami has returned to action after exactly a year. He picked up four wickets for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh in the domestic Ranji Trophy competition, fuelling speculations about his possible inclusion for the tour of Australia.