Last Updated:
It is reported that Mohammed Shami’s inclusion for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy might be unlikely with the pacer yet to receive the go-ahead from the NCA.
Mohammed Shami has been out of action nearly a year now. (PTI Photo)
Mohammed Shami’s inclusion for India’s squad in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 series is reportedly not on the cards with the veteran fast-bowler yet to be cleared to participate by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) who are yet to decide if they want to take the risk and send him Down Under.
According to a report by Cricbuzz, the BCCI Centre of Excellence’s Sports Science Wing has yet to submit its report, clearing Shami for participating in international cricket. Earlier reports had revealed that the BCCI had sent in a team from the Sports Science wing to keep tabs on Shami and monitor his recovery while taking part in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
While representing Bengal in the T20 tournament, he has shown positive signs, picking up 8 wickets across seven games, making a good impression on his return to competitive cricket after a year. The main concern that they needed to address was whether Shami could handle the fitness demands of playing in the sport’s longest format.
The report claims that with Shami unlikely to make the trip Down Under any time soon, the best-case scenario is that Shami would be back in the squad for the fourth Test in Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test. But it is suggested that it would not come as a shock if Shami does not participate in the Test series at all.
India is really lacking support in the fast-bowling department, with Mohammed Siraj and Harshit Rana not stepping up to the challenge despite the former picking up a four-wicket haul. The bowling unit was not up to the mark, as they let the Australian team take a 157-run lead, with Travis Head scoring 140 runs to lead the charge.
Should Shami make the return to the squad, India could certainly push for yet another series victory in Australia and also secure their spot in the World Test Championship final for the 2023-25 cycle. A loss could be detrimental to the side who are in pursuit of their maiden WTC title.
