Mohammed Shami is unlikely to fly to Australia anytime soon to take part in the ongoing five-match Test series between India and Australia. According to a report in the Indian Express on Wednesday (December 11), the 34-year-old pacer, who last played a red-ball match for India in June 2023 against Australia at The Oval, recently underwent a fresh fitness test, and as per indications from the Bengal camp, he is not taking flight for Australia anytime soon.
“Having undergone a fresh fitness test and going by indications from the Bengal camp, it is certain that Shami isn’t taking a flight to Australia anytime soon. The word around is that there are still concerns as to whether Shami can bowl lengthy spells in a Test match, and he is being assessed on a day-to-day basis here (Bengaluru) by the Centre of Excellence staff,” a report in Indian Express said.
Shami, who has played one first-class and eight T20 matches for Bengal since making his comeback last month after a year-long absence due to injury-related issues, is set to take the field for Bengal on Wednesday (December 11) in Bengaluru during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy quarterfinal match against Baroda.
After India suffered a humiliating defeat by 10 wickets against Australia in the second Test played at Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 8, Indian captain Rohit Sharma was asked about Shami’s availability for the remaining three matches. While Rohit left the door wide open for Shami’s return to the side, he also provided a fresh update on Shami’s recovery.
“We want to be more than 100% sure with him because it has been a long time. We don’t want to put pressure on him to come here and do the job for the team. There are some professionals monitoring; we will take a call based on what those guys feel. They are the ones watching him every game, how he pulls up after the game, after bowling four overs, standing for 20 overs. But the door is open for him to come and play anytime,” Rohit had said.
