Mohammed Shami's Fitness Dilemma: Will He Make It to Border-Gavaskar Trophy?

Star Indian pacer Mohammed Shami hinted at his uncertain participation in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to an ongoing injury. While he trains rigorously, the final call rests with BCCI. Shami, missing from the New Zealand series, aims for a Ranji Trophy comeback before the Australia tour.

Mohammed Shami, India's celebrated pacer, has candidly expressed uncertainty about participating in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy as he continues to recover from an ankle injury.

The decision on Shami's participation rests with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). In a viral video, Shami was recently seen engaging in an intensive bowling session for over an hour at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium. This session, following India's eight-wicket loss to New Zealand, had India's assistant coach Abhishek Nayar and bowling coach Morne Morkel in attendance. Shami, 34, was also involved in fielding drills.

After the conclusion of the ODI World Cup 2023, Shami suffered an ankle injury that has kept him off the pitch since November. At an event in Gurugram, he told ANI about his ongoing focus on fitness by playing more matches. Although Shami is not part of the ongoing Test series against New Zealand, as announced by the BCCI, he is setting his sights on a Ranji Trophy return ahead of the Border-Gavaskar showdown against Australia.

The highly anticipated India-Australia Border-Gavaskar series commences on November 22 with the first Test in Perth. The second Test, a day-night encounter, is scheduled from December 6 to 10 at the Adelaide Oval. Fans will then look forward to the third Test at The Gabba in Brisbane from December 14 to 18.

The series will approach its climax with the traditional Boxing Day Test from December 26 to 30 at Melbourne's iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The final showdown will be at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7, promising a thrilling conclusion to this anticipated contest.

(With inputs from agencies.)