According to the freshest developments in relation to Mohammed Shami, he is all set to be a part of the XI for the fourth and fifth Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The star pacer is reported to leave for Australia after his stint with Bengal at the current edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
A source close to the experienced cricketer opened up on the specifics of the update. The source further went onto mention that the India kit of the Amroha-born pacer has been already dispatched to Australia and as a result, the pacer is set to make a return to international cricket more than a year after his last game, which coincidentally came against the Aussies during the ODI World Cup Final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
“Shami’s India kit has already been dispatched to Australia. He will complete the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 assignment and then leave,” stated the source, as quoted by The Telegraph.
The knockouts of SMAT 2024 will be taking place in Bengaluru. Hence, it is expected that the medical team head of the National Cricket Academy, Dr. Nitin Patel and Strength and Conditioning trainer, Nishant Bordoloi, would be looking him up after Bengal’s campaign comes to an end.
“Shami will be playing the pre-quarter final for us against Chandigarh. He will join us in Bengaluru by tomorrow. However, I am not sure if he will be available if we qualify for the quarters or go the distance. Guess he will be fit and available for the last two Australia Tests,” shared Laxmi Ratan Shukla, Bengal’s head coach.
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Shami himself wanted to play fair amount of domestic cricket: Shukla
Shukla also notified Shami’s status in terms of physical fitness and added that it was the premier fast bowler’s decision to undergo a rigorous workload to prepare for his international comeback.
“He has already shed around six kilograms of body weight. He has played seven T20 games in 13 days. If he plays the pre-quarters, it will be eight games in 16 days. Shami himself wanted to play a fair amount of domestic cricket and inform the NCA how his body reacts,” he added.
India, who find themselves in a tough spot in the current day-night Test at the Adelaide Oval, would only be benefitted with Shami’s arrival into their setup at the earliest. As for Shami, he would want to emulate his wonderful exibition against Madhya Pradesh when it comes to facing the Aussies on the latter’s own backyard.
Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.