India’s experienced pacer Mohammed Shami’s availability for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy remains uncertain as the BCCI medical team works tirelessly to ensure his fitness. With just 10 days to go before the first Test against Australia in Perth on November 22, Shami’s readiness for the grueling series is under scrutiny.
Key Developments:
- Recent Return to Action: Shami recently made his comeback in domestic cricket, claiming 7 wickets in a Ranji Trophy match for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh. However, concerns about his fitness linger as he transitions to international cricket.
- Fitness Challenges: The BCCI medical team is monitoring Shami closely, checking for any recurring knee swelling after each spell. His endurance and weight management are also areas of focus.
- Next Steps: Shami is set to participate in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) T20 matches, but these short-format games are not considered ideal preparation for a demanding Test series. The selectors are contemplating sending him to train with the Indian squad, provided he clears fitness benchmarks in SMAT.
Concerns Ahead of BGT:
While Shami’s bowling skills and pace remain unquestioned, the team management and selectors are cautious about his readiness for the five-Test series. The ICC Champions Trophy in February adds another layer of caution, as the team cannot afford a long-term setback for the speedster.
The Indian squad faces a crucial few days as the medical team races to get Shami match-ready for the highly anticipated series against Australia.