• Source:JND
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India's seasoned pacer Mohammed Shami recently expressed uncertainty about his return to the game, stating "it's difficult to say when I will be back."

However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary, Jay Shah,  has provided a significant update, indicating that Shami is likely to be available for the Border-Gavaskar Test series against Australia in December, alleviating concerns about his return.

The excitement is building around India's forthcoming tour of Australia, following their impressive back-to-back 2-1 Test series victories in the country. The team is now gunning for a historic hat-trick, aiming to make it three consecutive series wins in Australia. This highly anticipated contest promises to be an electrifying encounter, adding another chapter to the storied India-Australia cricket rivalry.

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Shami has been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury during the ODI World Cup, followed by surgery and ongoing recovery at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.

Initially, it was expected that he would return for the Bangladesh Test series, as suggested by BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar. However, the latest update indicates that Shami will instead make a gradual comeback through the Ranji Trophy, easing into competitive cricket before potentially rejoining the national team.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah has given a strong indication that Mohammed Shami will have recovered from his injury in time to be included in the Indian squad for the upcoming tour of Australia, boosting the team's prospects with his return.

“Our team is already well prepared. We have rested Jasprit Bumrah for a while now. Mohammad Shami is expected to be fit too. This is an experienced Indian side now. Seniors like Rohit and Kohli are fit,” he told Times of India.

“Shami will be there (in Australia) because he is experienced, and we need him in Australia,” he added.

According to Snehasish Ganguly, president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), Shami's selection for the Australia series hinges on his demonstrating full fitness by performing well in the Ranji Trophy, serving as a crucial test of his readiness for international competition.

“He (Shami) wants to be on that tour. But he has to play Ranji Trophy to prove himself,” Ganguly said.