Shami likely to test Australia availability in Nov 13 Ranji tie vs MP

Ace India pace bowler Mohammed Shami, who is recuperating from injury and hasn’t played any competitive cricket match since the 50-over World Cup Final in 2023, has not been named in the Bengal team for the next two matches although he will most likely play the second of the two matches that begins on November 13.

The www.thedelhijunction.com has surmised that the pace bowler could be considered for the latter part of the series in Australia that begins on November 22 going by his performance in the Ranji Trophy tie against Madhya Pradesh in Indore from November 13. He will be missing the match against Karnataka that begins on Wednesday.  

“He is on way to reaching fitness. He should be playing the second Ranji Trophy match,” said a source aware of the development. Shami has been training, and has also bowled. On October 25, he posted pictures of himself bowling in the nets.

There is a gap of 10 days between the end of the first Test at Optus Stadium in Perth and start of the second Test – a day-nighter – in Adelaide. The first Test is scheduled to end on November 26 and the second Test is scheduled to begin on December 6.

It means that there is still a month left for Shami to get back at his best if he plans to join the team for the second Test.

India play a two-day game against Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra on November 30 and December 1.

India have named Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna as the pace attack. Nitish Kumar Reddy is the pace bowling all-rounder.

Among these, only Bumrah and Siraj have played Test cricket in Australia in the past. So India will probably need a pace bowler with experience.

Shami has picked 31 wickets in eight Tests in Australia.

Tags : Mohammed Shami, Australia, India team, Cricket, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne