New Delhi, India

There is a big boost for India ahead of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which commences in Australia on Nov 22, as Mohammed Shami has been named in Bengal's Ranji Trophy squad for their match versus Madhya Pradesh. Bengal's next clash in the premier domestic tournament is on Nov 13, in Indore, where they take on MP and Shami is set to play his first competitive game since the 2023 ODI World Cup. Following the mega event, he has been plagued with several injuries which has kept him out of cricketing action. If Shami plays without any pain, he could be a late entry into Inda's Test squad for the Australia series.

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Shami's fitness was closely monitored ahead of the BGT, which starts later this month with the first Test in Perth. Just before the squad was picked, Shami had mentioned that he was hoping to make a comeback and take the flight to Australia after making a few appearances in the Ranji Trophy. However, the wily pacer can only play a solitary red-ball game to prove his fitness as the 2024/25 edition is split into two. Thus, there is only one round before the white-ball tournaments get underway.

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Shami has been sidelined for a long time. He had to initially undergo surgery for an Achilles heel injury, which troubled him during the home ODI WC (where he ended with the most wickets -- 24). Further, he suffered a setback while in recovery with swelling in his knees.

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Shami's comeback for Bengal will be closely monitored with India's tour of Australia set to begin soon. If he bowls without any discomfort, the 34-year-old can be a late addition to India's squad for the upcoming Test series Down Under.