Perth, Australia

The Indian captain for the Perth Test against Australia, Jasprit Bumrah, dropped a major hint at Mohammed Shami’s potential return to the Test side amid fitness concerns. 

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Shami missed all on-field action since last year's home World Cup due to an ankle injury and resumed competitive cricket last week, playing for Bengal in the prestigious Ranji Trophy tournament, picking seven wickets against Madhya Pradesh. Though he showed glimpses of a full-fit Shami by bowling tight lines during his comeback game, the right-arm seamer is closing in on returning to his best, with the Indian Team management keeping a keen eye on it. 

Speaking on the same on the sidelines of the first BGT Test at the Optus Stadium starting Friday (Nov 22), India skipper Bumrah said, "Shami bhai has started to play cricket, and obviously, he is an integral part of this team. I'm sure the management is also keeping a keen eye (on him). Hopefully, things fall in place. If everything goes well, you might see him here as well," Bumrah noted in the pre-match presser in Perth.

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Meanwhile, Bumrah is leading India in Rohit Sharma’s absence, who is in India with his family after the birth of his second child. Rohit will link up with the Indian Team ahead of the second Test in Adelaide, a Day-Night Test game, starting December 6.

Per several reports, the BCCI and the management are keen on having Shami on board at some point during this marquee five-match series, concluding with the final Test at the SCG in Sydney early next year. Should Shami attain full fitness in the meantime, he would likely get added to the Test side, increasing his chances of playing his first away BGT game since breaking his wrist in Adelaide the last time.

Rana, Ashwin to play in Perth

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Owing to an injury crisis and unavailability of some star players, the visitors could play a new-look Indian Team in the BGT opener, with several reports claiming two uncapped players to make the cut. While all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is one name everyone’s praising, the sources close to the information claim that lanky pacer Harshit Rana could also make his Test debut.

Besides, ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s highest wicket-taker in this attack, will play ahead of two bowling all-rounders, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. 

Also, in the absence of Shubman Gill, who is out with a broken thumb, India will likely play Devdutt Padikkal at number three, with KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal to open. Outside of Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant in the middle order, India might play Dhruv Jurel ahead of Sarfaraz Khan at number six; simultaneously, Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj spearhead the pace attack.

(With inputs from agencies)