(PTI Photo)

Excitement is building for India’s upcoming tour of Australia, especially after their previous two Test series there, which ended with a 2-1 victory in both cases. India is now aiming for a third consecutive win on Australian soil.

Australia is determined to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which India has held for a while now. The last time the teams met was in the final of the ICC World Test Championship, where Australia emerged victorious.

India understands that defeating Australia for a third consecutive time on their home turf will be a significant challenge. To achieve this, a fit and in-form pace attack is crucial. The Indian team management has been preparing for the tour while managing Jasprit Bumrah’s rest period to ensure he is fresh for the Test series. Additionally, India will rely on experienced fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who has not played any cricket since the 2023 ODI World Cup final.

There is no set timeline for his return at the moment. Initially, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar suggested that the 33-year-old might be ready for the Bangladesh Test series. 

However, it is now expected that he will transition back to competitive cricket through the Ranji Trophy. BCCI secretary Jay Shah has nearly confirmed that the pacer will be available for the Australia tour.

“Our team is already well prepared. We have rested Jasprit Bumrah for a while now. Mohammad Shami is expected to be fit too. This is an experienced Indian side now. Seniors like Rohit and Kohli are fit,” he told Times of India on the team’s preparation for the Australia tour.

“Shami will be there (in Australia) because he is experienced, and we need him in Australia,” he added.

Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Snehasish Ganguly has stated that Mohammed Shami will need to demonstrate his fitness in the Ranji Trophy if he wants to secure a spot for the Australia series.

“He (Shami) wants to be on that tour. But he has to play Ranji Trophy to prove himself,” Ganguly said.