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India’s star pacer Mohammed Shami has been on the sidelines since ODI World Cup 2023. Shami hasn’t returned to competitive cricket since going under the knife. He was expected to return for the three-Test series against New Zealand but is yet to regain full fitness. His participation in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 looks doubtful too as skipper Rohit Sharma doesn’t want to take an ‘undercooked’ bowler to Australia who is currently doing his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Bengaluru, which is not too far away from the first Test venue against New Zealand.
“To be honest, it is difficult to make a call on him for Australia series. He had a setback and had swelling his knees. That put him back a little bit and had to start again. He's at the NCA with doctors and physios. We don't want to bring undercooked Shami to Australia. We are keeping our fingers crossed,” Rohit said in the pre-match press conference.
Earlier, India’s practice on October 15 was cancelled as it is raining in Bengaluru. The press conference was preponed as the players stayed indoors on the eve of the first Test of the series.
Meanwhile, Shami posted a couple of photos of him doing weight training on October 14 with captain: "Big or small, every challenge is just another step forward when you love what you do"
Shami’s record in Australia
The 34-year-old has a good record on Australia pitches bagging 31 wickets from eight Tests averaging 32.16 including two five-wicket hauls.
Who will go to Australia if Shami doesn’t recover?
In Shami’s absence, Akash Deep has impressed with his long spells. He has been effective with the new ball, especially against the left-handed batters. In the recently-concluded two-Test series against Bangladesh, he was preferred over Mukesh Kumar. He bagged five wickets in the spin-friendly conditions against Bangladesh.
Many have even compared the 27-year-old Bengal pacer to Shami. In addition, he is capable of contributing down the order with the bat as well. Against Bangladesh in the second Test as India went all out, he smashed Shakib Al Hasan for two consecutive sixes.
