India's star pacer Mohammed Shami is all set for a comeback to competitive cricket. Nearly a year after the ODI World Cup 2023 final against Australia, Shami will represent Bengal against Madhya Pradesh in the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2024-25 fixture. Shami has been added to the squad on the eve of the clash at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore.
"Shami's inclusion in the Bengal team will not just be a big boost but also lift the morale of the entire team, which aims to make it to the next round of the Ranji Trophy", stated Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).
Shami has been absent from competitive cricket as he underwent ankle surgery earlier this year.
Bengal are yet to win a match in the ongoing tournament. After three draws and one game ending in no result, Bengal are fifth on Group C.
No Shami in Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad
Last month, Shami was seen bowling in the nets during India's series against New Zealand. He bowled to Shubman Gill and assistant coach Abhishek Nayar in the nets. He had a heavily strapped knee while bowling in the nets under the supervision of bowling coach Morne Morkel. He was not named in India's 18-member Test squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
Shami posted a video on his Instagram account and apologised to his fans and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He vowed to regain full fitness and return to the field.
“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.
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Shami's record in Australia
However, there is a possibility that Shami may get a call to board the flight to Australia if any pacer gets injured during the five-Test series. The experienced pacer has played a total of eight Tests on Australian soil. He has 31 scalps at an average of 32.16.
