BGT 2024-25: Shastri suggests Shami's participation in Melbourne and Sydney, Brisbane may be premature

Adelaide, Dec 7 (NationPress) Former head coach of India and current commentator Ravi Shastri opines that experienced fast bowler Mohammed Shami is likely to be included in the final two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy set to take place in Melbourne and Sydney.

Shastri stated that Shami's presence would significantly enhance the visitors' pace attack, which currently leans heavily on Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, with the young talent Harshit Rana stepping in as the third seamer ahead of Akash Deep for the initial two Tests.

After a remarkable debut in Perth where India secured a commanding 295-run victory, Rana struggled as a crucial part of India's pace bowling, having conceded too many runs during Australia's first innings at Adelaide Oval.

The young bowler took four wickets in his debut Test, finishing with figures of 3-48 in the first innings while adding one more in the second.

“The sooner he (Shami) arrives here, the better,” Shastri remarked during his commentary on Star Sports.

Shami has been absent from the Indian squad since the ODI World Cup final against Australia in Ahmedabad last year. However, he made his return to competitive cricket for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy last month and is currently competing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy to demonstrate his fitness ahead of receiving approval from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.

According to a report by Cricbuzz, Shami has yet to obtain fitness clearance, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remains uncertain about when he can travel to Australia.

The Sports Science department at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru is yet to provide a thorough all-clear report.

“I believe Brisbane may be a bit premature, but Melbourne and Sydney seem more feasible,” Shastri added.

Shami demonstrated his skill in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, taking eight wickets across seven matches for Bengal. Notably, the 34-year-old bowler, returning from a year-long injury hiatus, made a strong impact with his performances. However, the critical assessment remains whether he can withstand the demands of Test cricket.

Despite the absence of his expertise being felt in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series, it is improbable that Shami will travel to Australia right away. There are rumors regarding his availability for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG commencing on December 26, although sources indicate that this is overly optimistic and he may not join the squad at all.

Currently, Shami is with Bengal, gearing up for their knockout match against Chandigarh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy pre-quarterfinals at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on November 9.

During the IPL mega auction held in Jeddah last month, Shami was signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 10 crore. If fully fit, he is expected to make his IPL comeback after missing the 2024 season due to ankle surgery.