BGT 2024-25: Jasprit Bumrah hints at inclusion of Mohammed Shami in later part of the series

Mohammed Shami recently returned to competitive cricket in Ranji Trophy for Bengal.

Jasprit Bumrah, India’s stand-in captain, has hinted that Mohammed Shami will be part of India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) squad in 2024-25.

Mohammed Shami was out of the Indian team for a year. He injured his ankle during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and has worked hard to get back in shape.

However, he underwent surgery in March of this year and missed England’s home tests, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, and the 2024 T20 World Cup. Shami healed at home before moving to the NCA in Bengaluru for rehabilitation.

He was supposed to make his return during the New Zealand test series at home. But, Shami suffered swelling on his knees during the preparation which delayed his return. Finally, Shami returned to competitive cricket for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match against Madhya Pradesh.

Shami picked up seven wickets in 40 plus overs across two innings with the best of 4/54. He also contributed runs with the bat and this was enough for rumors to spread that the pacer will shortly leave for Australia.

“Hopefully, things fall in place”- Jasprit Bumrah hints on return of Mohammed Shami to Indian squad in Australia

Mohammed Shami has loads of experience having made his India debut in 2013. In Australia, Shami has played 8 tests and picked up 31 wickets at an average of 32.16 with two five-wicket hauls. His inclusion in the Indian squad for the Australia tour will be a huge boost for the tourists.

A day before India’s first test against Australia in Perth, stand-in Jasprit Bumrah addressed a press conference. During the media session, Bumrah indicated that India have selected their playing lineup, but would not announce anything.

Bumrah went on to say that the Indian team management is monitoring Mohammed Shami’s progress and that if all goes well, he will be able to join the squad in later part of the tour.

“Shami bhai has started to play cricket, and obviously, he is an integral part of this team. I’m sure the management is also keeping a keen eye. Hopefully, things fall in place and you might see him here as well,” Bumrah was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

The BCCI wants to see Mohammed Shami prove his fitness in matches and hence he has been included in Bengal’s squad for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Trophy 2024 where the BCCI selectors will keep a keen eye on him. If he performs well, Shami might be sent to Australia after the second test.

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