Shastri Suggests Shami Could Play in Melbourne and Sydney, Brisbane Might Be Too Soon for Him in BGT 2024-25

Shastri said Shami’s addition to India’s squad will bolster the visitors’ pace attack that currently relies on the shoulder of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj with youngster Harshit Rana playing as the third seamer ahead of Akash Deep in the first two Tests.

Former India head coach and commentator Ravi Shastri believes that an experienced pacer in Mohammed Shami is most likely to play in the last two Tests of the Border-Gasvaskar Trophy, Melbourne and Sydney.

Shastri said Shami’s addition to India’s squad will bolster the visitors’ pace attack that currently relies on the shoulder of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj with youngster Harshit Rana playing as the third seamer ahead of Akash Deep in the first two Tests.

Advertisement

After making his impressive debut in Perth where India registered a dominating 295-run win, Rana proved to be a weak cog in India's pace bowling as he leaked too many runs in Australia's ongoing first innings at Adelaide Oval.

The youngster bagged four wickets in his debut Test as he returned with the figures of 3-48 in the first innings while adding one more in the second innings.

Advertisement

"The quicker he (Shami) reaches here, the better," Shastri said while commentating on Star Sports.

Shami has not been a part of the Indian team since the ODI World Cup final against Australia in Ahmedabad last year. But, he returned to competitive cricket in Bengal in the Ranji Trophy last month and is now representing his side in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy to prove himself fit in order to get clearance from NCA in Bengaluru.

Advertisement

As per the Cricbuzz report, Shami has not yet received fitness clearance, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is still undecided when he can be sent to Australia.

The Sports Science wing at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru has yet to provide the BCCI with a comprehensive all-clear report.

Advertisement

“I think Brisbane might be a little too early, maybe Melbourne and Sydney,” Shastri said.

Shami showcased his mettle in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, claiming eight wickets in seven matches for Bengal. More importantly, the 34-year-old pacer, returning after a year-long injury break, left a very strong impression with his performances. But the ultimate judgment will be if he can stand the Test.

Advertisement

Shami is unlikely to fly to Australia immediately, although his absence is felt in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series that continues currently. There is speculation over whether he will be available for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG on December 26, but sources indicated this is optimistic and he may not join the squad after all.

Shami is currently with Bengal, gearing up for their knockout encounter against Chandigarh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy pre-quarterfinals at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on November 9.

Advertisement

In the IPL mega auction held last month in Jeddah, Shami was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 10 crore. If he gets fully fit, he will come back to the IPL action as he had missed the entire 2024 season following an ankle surgery.

Read also| Hazlewood Optimistic About Brisbane Game Availability for BGT 2024-25, Says He's Checked a Few Boxes

Advertisement

Read also| Gavaskar Criticizes Indian Bowlers for Underusing Pink Ball Effectively

Advertisement