The Indian cricket team could soon receive a significant boost with Mohammed Shami’s potential return for the upcoming Australia tour.

Shami, sidelined for nearly a year due to injuries, showcased his readiness by delivering a commendable performance in the ongoing Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh. 

With crucial decisions to be made, let’s take a look at the possibilities of Shami joining the squad

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How did Mohammed Shami perform in his Ranji Trophy return?

Representing Bengal, Shami marked his red-ball cricket comeback by claiming four wickets in Madhya Pradesh’s first innings.

Bowling 19 overs, he returned impressive figures of 4/54, including key dismissals such as MP skipper Shubham Sharma and all-rounder Saransh Jain. Three of his wickets came through precise bowled deliveries, while one was caught behind by Wriddhiman Saha.

The second innings, however, was more challenging. By the end of Day 3, Shami had bowled 11 overs, conceding 55 runs and picking up one wicket. With MP at 150/3, Shami will bowl further on the final day, eager to add more scalps to his tally.

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What are the selectors monitoring before making a decision?

While his bowling figures were fantastic, the selectors and the BCCI’s medical team are closely monitoring his overall fitness.

Ajay Ratra, a member of the selection committee, and Dr. Nitin Patel from the National Cricket Academy (NCA), observed Shami’s workload and body response during the match.

He fielded for most of the 57 overs in the first innings, bowled multiple spells, and is set to resume his bowling further in the second innings.

The focus remains on how Shami’s body reacts after the match concludes, particularly regarding any signs of swelling or pain. If he passes this critical fitness test, the management could include him in the squad for the second Test, a day/night encounter, beginning on November 30.

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Can Mohammed Shami join the Indian squad in Australia for BGT Tests?

Shami’s inclusion in the Indian squad depends on multiple factors, with timing being a critical consideration. Given the tight schedule and his recent return to red-ball cricket, joining the squad before the first Test in Perth, starting on November 22, appears unlikely.

The selectors and medical team are keen to ensure Shami gets adequate recovery time and avoids rushing back, which could risk aggravating his injury.

Instead, Shami is more likely to make his return for the second Test, a high-profile day/night encounter scheduled to take place in Adelaide from December 6 to 10.

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The additional time between the first two matches provides an ideal window for him to build his match fitness and prepare for the challenges of the Australian conditions.

For his preparation to adapt to the pace and bounce of Australian pitches, Shami could also participate in a two-day warm-up game against the Prime Minister’s XI, set to be held from November 30 to December 1.