Shami Eyeing Return for New Zealand Tests, Full Fitness for Border-Gavaskar Trophy Top Priority: Report

India’s star pacer, Mohammed Shami is yet to make a return to international cricket, following his stellar show at the 2023 ODI World Cup. The 33-year-old bowler had picked up an injury to his ankle following which had to undergo rehabilitation.

According to a report by The Indian Express, Shami’s availability for the upcoming 2-match Test series against Bangladesh at home is also in doubt as the fast-bowler continues to build up to full fitness.

The report claims that Shami is targeted to make a return to domestic cricket where Bengal open their campaign in the Ranji Trophy on October 11. This would mean that he would also make his comeback to international cricket for the second or third Test against New Zealand.

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It is also suggested that another plan of action is that Shami be sent with the India A team which tours Australia on October 31 where the team would take part in two four-day fixtures taking place at Mackay and Melbourne.

Despite getting back to bowling during his time with the National Cricket Academy (NCA), the BCCI have opted against his inclusion for the upcoming Duleep Trophy.

Anonymous sources in the report claim that they would take an approach similar to that of Jasprit Bumrah who had made his return to international cricket in the T20I series against Ireland.

“Since he hasn’t played in a while, he has to be integrated smoothly into the system. With Bumrah, we had the T20s in Ireland, which allowed us to increase his workload gradually. But with Shami, we are talking about Test cricket, where he has to bowl long spells. It will be a step-by-step process and the Australia tour is the ultimate goal,” said the sources.

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The return of Shami for the Border-Gavaskar trophy remains a crucial aspect for Team India’s squad as they would rely on his experience to give the side the best chance of defending the title.

Team India is set to take on Bangladesh in the two Tests that begin in September 19. This will be followed by three more games against New Zealand after which the Indian squad will depart to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar trophy in mid-November.