Jay Shah sparks fresh concern as Mohammed Shami sets return date for Australia series

India fast bowler Mohammed Shami's long-awaited return date has finally been announced. After being sidelined due to injury since the 2023 ODI World Cup final in November last year, Shami is gearing up to make his comeback next month in the Ranji Trophy tournament. Following his stint in the domestic competition, he is expected to represent India in the home Test series against New Zealand. However, the selectors have grander plans for Shami, with hopes of including him in the Border-Gavaskar Test series in Australia in December. While BCCI secretary Jay Shah initially confirmed Shami's presence in the Australia tour, there have been recent concerns raised following a new statement made by him.

Last week, during an interview with the Times of India, Shah hinted that Shami in all likelihood would be on the plane to Australia for the much-anticipated Test series. "Your question about Shami is right... he will be there because he is experienced, and we need him in Australia," he said.

Later, on Sunday, news agency PTI reported that the 34-year-old fast bowler will make a comeback after 10 months in the for his domestic side, Bengal, in the upcoming Ranji Trophy tournament next month. He will play either one or both of Bengal's opening away Ranji matches, against Uttar Pradesh on October 11 and the next one in Kolkata against Bihar on October 18. This will be followed by an appearance in one of the three Tests against New Zealand, which will start on October 19 in Bengaluru and will be followed by Tests in Pune (October 24) and Mumbai (November 1), before gearing up for the Australia series.

However, Shami, who continues his recovery at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, is yet to confirm his participation in the Australia series as Shah reckoned that his availability still depends on his fitness.

"Shami playing the Australia series or not is a matter of his fitness, and a decision will be taken after the NCA report," Shah told ANI.

Selectors' major concern for Australia Test series

For the selectors, their priority is have India's top three pacers - Jasprit Bumrah, Shami and Mohammed Siraj - fit for the five Tests in Australia later this year. Shami has taken 229 wickets from 64 Tests with six five-wicket hauls and 12 four-wicket hauls. Moreover, Shami holds an impressive record on Aussie tracks, having picked 31 wickets in eight matches, including two five-wicket hauls, at 32.16.

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