Even though Mohammed Shami wasn’t part of India’s squad for the IND vs AUS Test series, but then that might change quickly, with the pacer turning up for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy match on Wednesday. In the match against MP, not only did Shami pick up four wickets, but bowled 19 overs, and was on the field for 57 overs. That could be huge for India, with Shami playing his first competitive match in 360 days.
Mohammed Shami Almost Fit
Now, as per a report, Shami could be flown to Australia as early as next week. For now, even the BCCI looked satisfied with his progress, and even uploaded a video on Twitter. The next step, for the bowler to board the plane to Australia will be, to be able to bowl well in the second innings as well. As per PTI, the selection committee with monitor his progress.
If all goes well, Mohammed Shami could even be playing the second IND vs AUS Test, in Adelaide from December 6. Meanwhile, selection panel’s Ajay Ratra and the NCA medical team head, Nitin Patel have crucial roles here. Their feedback will be given to Ajit Agarkar, Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma.
“Obviously, Shami was asked to play this game keeping in mind that the next round of Ranji Trophy will only start on January 23 after the Test season is over,” a BCCI sourced told PTI.
Conditions for IND vs AUS Series
“So, the selectors had only one match to check his fitness. He has bowled 19 overs in multiple spells and fielded for most part of the 57 overs. He bowled 90 dot balls. But he will again have to bowl and field (in the second innings). Suppose he bowls another 15 to 18 overs in the second innings, that’s a very decent amount of overs bowled.
“But the biggest test would be whether he again feels any pain after four days. If the NCA medical team green-lights his fitness, obviously he will join before the second Test,” the BCCI source added.
