Kolkata : As per reports, Indian talisman pacer Mohammad Shami’s kit and visa to fly to Australia for Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is ready, however, BCCI is waiting for NCA clearance before making him join in the Indian squad.
Although there’s no full clarity whether the pacer will join the team in the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 , BCCI and NCA are monitoring him.
Shami, who last featured in Indian colours in ICC ODI WC 2023 final has been out of the team since then due to ankle injury.
He came back recently after 1 year recovery period to play for Bengal in Ranji and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 and is looking to get back his rhythm & is eyeing international return.
The veteran who underwent surgery last year took 8 wickets in ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy at a 7.67 economy to help Bengal reach the knockouts. In Ranji Trophy too after his comeback, he took 7 wickets against a formidable Madhya Pradesh and helped Bengal clinch historic win over them.
The Indian team management is reportedly keen on flying Shami to Australia as soon as possible, but the the National Cricket Academy (NCA) is yet to give an all-clear report to the veteran seamer.
“The selection committee is waiting for the NCA’s fitness clearance report on Shami. He travelled to Bengaluru to give a fitness test. He played the Ranji Trophy as well as the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20s, where he looked good. His kit is also ready. We are just waiting for the approval from the NCA,” a BCCI official was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.
BCCI is all set to welcome Shami with all formalities like visa, being completed, and only wait for green signal. His partnership with new Ball alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Md Siraj will be vital for India in remaining Test series.
Mohammad Shami to be available for final 2 Tests against Australia
In another development, Shami also got a boost as reports claimed that he could play the final 2 Tests in Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 after NCA’s green signal.
With the Brisbane Test, which starts on December 14, could be a race for time for Shami, the 34-year-old is certain to make the playing XI in the Boxing Day Test, starting on December 26.
“Shami’s India kit has already been dispatched to Australia. He will complete Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 assignment and then leave,” a source close to Shami was quoted as saying to PTI.
Shami could have made his comeback during New Zealand Test series but a swollen ankle delayed the process. But he looked in good shape during ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 and therefore could make comeback in last 2 Tests against Australia.
“Shami will be playing the pre-quarter final for us (Bengal) against Chandigarh. He will join us in Bengaluru by tomorrow. However, I am not sure if he will be available if we qualify for quarters or go the distance. Guess he will be fit and available for last two Australia Tests,” Bengal head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla said.
On his return, Shami bowled 43 overs against Madhya Pradesh in Indore and has already played 7 T20 games in SMAT in a span of 13 days. If he plays against Chandigarh, Shami will play 8 games in 16 days. “He (Shami) has already shed around 6 kilograms of body weight”.
“Shami himself wanted to play fair amount of domestic cricket and inform NCA how his body reacts,” Shukla added.
