Mohammed Shami : With the highly anticipated India vs Australia Test series around the corner, veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami is set to play two Ranji Trophy matches for Bengal to sharpen his skills and regain match fitness. This decision, while keeping Shami in India a bit longer, is seen as a strategic move to help him arrive in Australia match ready, especially considering his recent recovery from a long standing injury.
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Shami’s Return to the Pitch: A Key Decision
Shami hasn’t played a competitive match since the ODI World Cup final on November 19, 2023, where he pushed through with a recurring ankle injury. After undergoing surgery post tournament, Shami was expected to return earlier in the domestic season. However, additional recovery time was essential, and now, just as he’s fully recovered, he’s gearing up to represent Bengal in two crucial Ranji Trophy matches against Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. These matches, scheduled before his departure, will help ensure that Shami is in peak condition when he joins the Indian squad for the Tests starting November 22 in Perth.
Why the Ranji Trophy Matches Matter
Ranji Trophy matches provide Shami with the perfect opportunity for some high quality red ball cricket practice, allowing him to regain rhythm and test his physical endurance without the immediate pressure of international competition. Bengal’s head coach, Laxmi Ratan Shukla, emphasized Shami’s importance for the national side and confirmed the plans, stating, “We are hopeful that Shami will join us for games against Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. These outings will be great for him ahead of the Australia tour.”
The India vs Australia Test Series: High Stakes for Shami and Team India
The India Australia Test series carries significant weight, especially for Shami, who has been a crucial player for India in previous tours down under. In the historic 2018-19 series, Shami played a pivotal role with 16 wickets in four matches, helping India clinch their first ever series win in Australia. However, his injury history and the physical demands of Australian pitches necessitate careful preparation. Even skipper Rohit Sharma voiced concern about Shami’s readiness, explaining, “We don’t want to bring an undercooked Shami to Australia.”
The team management’s decision for him to stay back, focus on Ranji matches, and join the squad in top form aims to give India the edge. After all, a fit and in form Shami is a game changer in a high profile Test series.
Shami will begin his domestic stint with Bengal in their match against Karnataka from November 6, followed by the game against Madhya Pradesh, scheduled for November 16-19. This timeline also means Shami will miss intrasquad practice matches in Australia, yet the benefits of match play at home are expected to outweigh the absence. He’ll join his teammates in Australia after wrapping up the second match, aligning with India’s preparations just ahead of the Test series opener.
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