BCCI to rest Mohammed Shami for Bangladesh Tests, Ranji Trophy opener to mark his return - Reports

Ace India seamer Mohammed Shami might miss the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh starting September 19 in Chennai. Although he has resumed bowling at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru following his ankle surgery, the BCCI decided against accelerating his comeback.

Given India will play five Tests Down Under later this year, the board wants Shami to recover at his pace and return when 100%.

The India fast bowler is said to mark his return with the first Ranji Trophy game for Bengal starting October 11.

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Shami was India’s best bowler during the 2023 ODI World Cup – picking 24 wickets in seven contested matches. His performance propelled India to reach another WC Final – the second time at home, but they came short against the eventual winners, Australia, by six wickets.

The right-arm pacer suffered an ankle injury during the ten-team tournament and has been ruled out of competitive cricket since. Although the board named him in the Test squad for the South Africa series later last year, Shami pulled his name out.

Later, he underwent surgery in London in February this year, recovering at the NCAsince.

Earlier, several reports claimed that the Indian Cricket Board is hopeful that Shami will attain full fitness in time for the first series of the upcoming home season; that, however, is far from reality as Shami continues to recover from his ankle injury.

The daunting Australian Tour

The BCCI understands the magnitude of this Test series, and to ensure India completes a historic hat-trick of series win Down Under, they need a fully-fit Shami on the board.

If all goes well and Shami fares per expectation during the domestic matches, the board can include him for the second and third Test against the Kiwis.

Per a report in the Indian Express, the BCCI also plans to send Shami with the India-A side to Australia for two four-day fixtures starting October 31 and November 7 to acclimatise and prepare for the marquee Test series.

Meanwhile, the last time India toured Australia, Shami broke his wrist while batting in the first Test in Adelaide, which India lost embarrassingly. They, however, created history by winning the series 2-1 under stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane and without Shami and their then-captain Virat Kohli.

(With inputs from agencies)