Mohammed Shami likely to return in action for Bengal in Ranji trophy

Indian Cricket Team's experienced fast bowler Mohammed Shami is likely to return to competitive cricket for his domestic team, Bengal, in the Ranji Trophy. Not only this, but after this he can also make a comeback on the international stage from the Test series to be played against New Zealand.

Also Read: Blistering Ishan Kishan takes Jharkhand home in Buchi Babu tournament

Shami likely to play only one Ranji Trophy match

According to media reports, Mohammed Shami may play in Bengal's Ranji Trophy match against UP on October 11 and against Bihar in Kolkata on October 18, but with only two days' gap between the two matches, he will likely play only one match. 

Shami will join Indian team for upcoming Australia tour

The Test series against New Zealand will begin in Bengaluru on October 19, followed by Test matches in Pune (October 24) and Mumbai (November 1). It is expected that Shami will play in one of these Test matches so that he can be fully fit before the big tour of Australia.

The BCCI's priority is that India's top three fast bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj be fully fit for the Australia tour. Shami has so far taken 229 wickets in 64 Test matches, including six five-wicket hauls and 12 four-wicket hauls.

Out of the team due to ankle injury

Mohammed Shami has been out of the team for a long time due to ankle injury. He underwent the surgery in the United Kingdom in February this year and has not played any competitive cricket since then. Shami played his last match against Australia in the final of the ODI World Cup, which has been 11 months now. 

After a long gap of 11 months, Shami has started his training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru and has shared a video of bowling with a low fast run-up on social media. However, he could not be available for the Duleep Trophy as the selectors did not want to take any risk regarding his fitness.

Also Read: Duleep Trophy Squads: No Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma but Ravindra Jadeja and Ishan Kishan makes a comeback

Shami's performance in ODI World Cup 2023

To recall, Shami replaced the injured Hardik Pandya in the 2023 ODI World Cup. The former finished as the highest wicket-taker (24) and broke a flurry of records in just seven matches. Shami also claimed three five-wicket hauls and a solitary four-fer, including a career-best 7/57 in the semi-final against New Zealand. His average in the tournament read a jaw-dropping 10.70.