Mohammed Shami is anticipated to be available for the last two Tests of India’s current tour of Australia, as per reports. Shami is waiting for approval from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) concerning his fitness, after which he will travel to Australia to join the squad.
Even though Shami was not part of the initial team for the five-match series, he has been actively participating in domestic cricket, playing for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, in a bid to regain match fitness.
“Shami’s India kit has already been sent to Australia. He will finish his Mushtaq Ali Trophy responsibilities and then depart,” a source told news agency PTI.
Shami last appeared for India in the 2023 ODI World Cup final before being sidelined due to an ankle injury, for which he subsequently underwent surgery.
Currently involved in SMAT 2024, Shami will meet with the NCA medical staff in Bengaluru once Bengal’s campaign wraps up. NCA’s Dr. Nitin Patel and Strength and Conditioning coach Nishant Bordoloi will evaluate his fitness.
Also Read: Mohammed Shami Unlikely To Join India’s Test Squad In Australia Soon: Report
“Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla confirmed Shami would participate in the pre-quarterfinals against Chandigarh but might not be available for the quarters or further. “He will be fit and ready for the final two Tests in Australia,” Shukla added.
Shukla also mentioned that Shami had lost six kilograms and played seven T20 matches in 13 days, indicating his preparedness. “Shami himself wanted to engage in a significant amount of domestic cricket and inform NCA about how his body responds,” Shukla stated.
This information arrives as India’s Jasprit Bumrah raised some concerns after feeling discomfort during the 2nd Test, although he continued bowling following treatment.
