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Jay Shah, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has provided a significant update regarding Mohammed Shami’s return. He stated that Shami’s participation in the upcoming Australia series will depend on his fitness assessment from the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
Shami, who has been sidelined since the conclusion of the ICC World Cup 2023, is now making strides in his recovery. After undergoing surgery on his right Achilles tendon in February, he has been progressing well and is in the final stages of his rehabilitation. Recently, he resumed bowling and reports suggest that his workload will be increased once he is pain-free.
There has been speculation about Shami’s return for the Bangladesh Tests. India will be hosting Bangladesh for a two-match Test series and a three-match T20I series. The first Test is scheduled to start on September 19 in Chennai, with the second Test in Kanpur on September 27.
Shami has also indicated that he plans to make his comeback through the Ranji Trophy for Bengal. Following the Bangladesh series, India will face New Zealand before traveling to Australia for the five-match Test series in November-December and January.
Jay Shah provides a major update on Mohammed Shami’s availability for the upcoming series against Australia.
Mohammed Shami is eager to rejoin the team before the Australia tour to regain full match fitness. When asked about Shami’s availability for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, BCCI secretary Jay Shah indicated that it would be contingent upon his fitness report.
“Shami playing the Australia series or not is a matter of his fitness and a decision will be taken after the NCA report,” he told ANI.
India Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar recently discussed Mohammed Shami’s return ahead of the Sri Lanka tour, mentioning that the Bangladesh Tests have been targeted for his comeback. Shami was also expected to participate in the Duleep Trophy, but he has not fully recovered yet, leading selectors to adopt a cautious approach.
Even if Shami misses the Bangladesh series, he will have ample opportunity to prepare for the Australia series. India will face New Zealand in three games, and there are also the Ranji Trophy matches and two first-class games in Australia with the India A team starting from October 31.
Shami’s role will be crucial for India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India has secured victories on their last two tours to Australia and will be aiming for a third consecutive win. Shami, alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, will be essential to the team’s success.
