Veteran pacer Mohammad Shami is likely to return to India’s playing XI for the fourth and final Test against Australia in Ahmedabad after being rested for workload management during the Indore Test, PTI reported on Saturday (March 4).

Given that the ODI World Cup is due to be played later this year, the Indian team management, in consultation with medical staff, has decided to rotate the fast bowlers, who are set to feature in the IPL 2023 as well.

As a result, Shami, who played the first two Tests against Australia, was rested for the third game. Umesh Yadav played in his place as the second pacer after Mohammed Siraj.

As per the report, Siraj, who is likely to feature in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, is expected to get rest during the final Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

With the World Test Championship (WTC) final spot at stake, Shami, who has been the best pacer on view across both teams, will be needed on a dry Ahmedabad pitch.

India still lead the four-match series 2-1 but they need to win the final game to reach the WTC final.

Meanwhile, the pitch dished out for the third Test has been rated “poor” by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The third Test at the Holkar Stadium finished in two days and a session as Australia defeated India by nine wickets.

After that, Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) is unlikely to risk its reputation by preparing a rank turner.

"We haven't received any instructions from the Indian team management and our local curators are preparing a normal track as we have always done through the season," a state association source told PTI.

"In fact, last Ranji game over here in January, Railways scored 500 plus (508) batting first and Gujarat, although had innings defeat, scored 200 plus in both innings. It won't be too different this time," he said.

(With PTI Inputs)