Shami is likely to make return to competitive cricket through last two rounds of the ongoing Ranji Trophy.
Shami has not played a single competitive game since his appearance in the ODI World Cup final in November last year. The right-arm quick, who underwent an operation on his Achilles tendon earlier this year, has been working on his recovery at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
Shami has started bowling at full tilt in the nets lately, which made fans optimistic of his comeback in the Test series Down Under. However, his absence from the squad suggests that he is yet to regain full fitness.
Meanwhile, a report claims that Shami could be in line for India comeback midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after making a return to competitive cricket through last two rounds of the ongoing Ranji Trophy.
Sources have made IANS understand that if all goes well, Shami will take part in Bengal’s Ranji Trophy matches against Karnataka in Bengaluru, starting from November 6 and then against Madhya Pradesh in Indore, commencing from November 13.
If he gets the approval of being fully match fit from the decision makers, Shami may join the Indian squad in Australia and possibly be in action from the third Test at Gabba.
“Yes, we have heard that Shami may join the Bengal team for the Ranji Trophy match against Karnataka, as the side will be coming to Bengaluru, where he’s already training, preparing to his absolute best and doing his bowling practice at the NCA. Everyone around him has been working hard to ensure he hopefully gets to play the game against Karnataka from November 6.”
“The parameters NCA people could observe for him would be around the number of overs he bowls, and how his recovery process is after being out on the field for a day or even after featuring in all four days of the Ranji Trophy games. If all of the processes with regards to him go well, then one probably may see him be with the Indian team from the Brisbane Test happening from December 14-18,” said the source privy to the developments, as quoted by IANS.
Mohammad Shami’s possible return and addition to the Indian team will be a source of uplifting news for the Rohit Sharma-led side, who lost the Pune Test against New Zealand by 113 runs to concede an unassailable 2-1 lead in the three-match series.
This defeat also marked the end of India’s remarkable streak of 18 consecutive home Test series victories.
India will look to salvage some pride and add crucial points to their WTC tally in the third Test against New Zealand, scheduled to be played in Mumbai from November 1.