India's star pacer Mohammed Shami could not make it to the 18-member squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 as he is yet to regain full fitness post ankle surgery. Shami on October 26 took to Instagram and shared a video of his workout. He also posted a message for his fans and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He aims to make a return to the team via Ranji Trophy route.
“Putting in my efforts and getting better with my bowling fitness day-by-day. Will continue working hard towards getting ready for the match and to play domestic red ball cricket. Sorry to all cricket fans and bcci too, but very soon I’m ready to play red ball cricket , love you all,” Shami wrote in the caption.
Shami’s last appearance on the international stage was in ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 against Australia. He revealed that he played in the World Cup despite injury. Since then he hasn’t played competitive cricket. Shami can make a comeback to red-ball cricket via Bengal’s Ranji Trophy matches against Karnatka or Madhya Pradesh next month.
As per reports, Shami can still make it to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad if he proves his fitness in the Ranji Trophy clashes.
Earlier this month, Shami was seen bowling in the nets in Bengaluru under bowling coach Morne Morkel's supervision. He bowled with a strapped knee against assistant coach Abhishek Nayar and Shubman Gill.
Shami’s record in Australia
The 34-year-old has a decent record on Australian soil. He has 31 wickets from eight Tests at an average of 32.16. His best bowling figures in Australia are six wickets for 56 runs.
In WTC history, he has 85 wickets from 24 Tests. His last Test appearance was in WTC 2023 final against Australia.
India’s rookie pacers for Australia tour
In Shami’s absence, the selectors have roped in pacer Harshit Rana and fast-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. The two youngsters are yet to make their Test debut for India. Rana was recently named in the limited-overs squad but did not make his debut. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer was backed by head coach Gautam Gambhir.
