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Mohammed Shami, the Indian fast bowler, is poised to make his return to competitive cricket. After not playing since the ODI World Cup final last November, Shami is expected to participate in two Ranji Trophy matches for Bengal. This will occur before he travels to Australia for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Mohammed Shami Likely to Play in Ranji Trophy
The Bengal team management is optimistic about Shami’s involvement in their next two away fixtures. He is likely to join the team in Bengaluru ahead of their match against Karnataka, which starts on November 6. Following this, he is also expected to play against Madhya Pradesh in Indore.
“He is not available for this match (vs Kerala), but we are hopeful that Shami will join us for games against Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh,” said Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla. He emphasised Shami’s importance, noting, “He is a valuable player for India and his services will be required for the Australia series.”
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Ranji Trophy Good Experience for Shami
Shami had previously expressed his eagerness to play a couple of Ranji matches before heading to Australia. Laxmi Ratan Shukla believes that Shami’s return will significantly boost the team.
“Good outings in the Ranji Trophy will be good for him ahead of the Australia tour and will be a big boost for us as our four key players are playing for India and India A,” Shukla added.
Despite his anticipated participation in these matches, Shami will not travel with the Indian team initially. The squad is set to depart for Australia shortly after the conclusion of their third Test against New Zealand in Mumbai.
Mohammed Shami Eager for Comeback
Shami’s journey back to cricket has been challenging. Following a stellar performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he took 24 wickets at an impressive average of 10.70, he underwent surgery in London in February. His comeback was delayed due to a swollen knee, which hindered his return.
Captain Rohit Sharma has voiced concerns about Shami’s fitness ahead of the Australia tour. “We want him to be fit; we want him to be 100 per cent,” Rohit stated. He added that bringing an undercooked Shami would not be ideal for the team’s prospects.
Shami has previously made significant contributions to India’s success in Australia. During India’s historic Test series win in 2018-19, he claimed 16 wickets across four matches. However, during the subsequent tour in 2020-21, he could only play one Test due to injury.
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