Mohammed Shami was on Tuesday named in Bengal's squad for their upcoming Ranji Trophy fixture against Madhya Pradesh, which will be played from November 13 at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore. An upbeat MP will face Bengal in a crucial clash of Elite Group C of India's coveted domestic competition, but all eyes will be on Shami, who hasn't played competitive cricket since the ODI World Cup final last year.
Shami has been out of action for a year because of injuries and recently, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting said that his absence leaves a big hole in India’s bowling attack comprising ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna and the uncapped Harshit Rana.
Shami had earlier said that he would love to travel to Australia after playing a few matches for Bengal but he wasn't named in the squad. It needs to be seen if he eventually flies Down Under after the Madhya Pradesh game.
As good as it gets! 🔥🔥@MdShami11 uproots the off-stump to dismiss Handscomb for 17! 👏👏Australia 170/4. Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/8DPghkx0DE#INDvAUS | @mastercardindiapic.twitter.com/2hXFYhvslW
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 9, 2023
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Shami had been sidelined since last November after he suffered an ankle injury during the World Cup and earlier this year, he underwent surgery and a lengthy recovery began.
Shami has spent a better part of his time since May at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru while recovering from that Achilles tendon surgery, which was required after the injury he played with during the World Cup.
If Shami proves his fitness in the game against Madhya Pradesh, he might as well be added to India's squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which is much dependent on Bumrah for a good bowling performance.
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Shami has played thrice in Adelaide, having picked eight wickets. He has bagged 31 wickets in eight matches in Australia, at an average of 32.16. He has good records in Sydney, where India will play the final Test of the series from January 3.