With his playing kit already on its way to Australia and the NCA's medical team's health clearance being a "matter of formality," star Indian pacer Mohammed Shami is likely to play in the fourth Test in Melbourne on Boxing Day (December 26). According to a person close to the cricket player, the NCA "fitness certificate" will arrive shortly.
"Shami's India kit has already been dispatched to Australia. He will complete Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 assignment and then leave," the source told PTI.
It is anticipated that Dr. Nitin Patel, the head of the NCA (National Cricket Academy) medical team, and Nishant Bordoloi, the strength and conditioning trainer, will evaluate him following Bengal's National T20 championship campaign, as the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy knockout round is being held in Bengaluru.
Bengal coach says Shami can be available for last two Tests
"Shami will be playing the pre-quarterfinal 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 quarters or go the distance. Guess he will be fit and available for last two Australia Tests," Bengal head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla told PTI.
"He has already shed around six kilograms of body weight. He has played seven T20 games in 13 days. If he plays pre-quarters it will be eight games in 16 days. Shami himself wanted to play fair amount of domestic cricket and inform NCA how his body reacts," Shukla added.
Given how poorly the pace attack performed in the current pink-ball Test match against Australia in Adelaide, it was natural that Team India was desperate to get Shami back. The only player who appeared to be taking a wicket each time he came on to bowl was Jasprit Bumrah. India's speed leader, who had a slight injury scare on Day 2 of the Test, was under a lot of pressure after that. Although Mohammed Siraj had some strong moments, Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy, the backup pacers, lacked discipline and lethality.
