Ruled out of Bangladesh test series, Mohammed Shami set to miss first test vs New Zealand - Reports

Mohammed Shami last played competitive cricket in November 2023.

In a significant development, Indian veteran speedster Mohammed Shami is likely to miss the first match of the three-match against New Zealand, starting from October 16.

The 33-year-old Shami has been out of action since the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 final against Australia. The right-arm pacer was the highest wicket-taker of the tournament. It was later revealed that Shami played the World Cup 2023 with an ankle injury.

In February 2024, Shami underwent surgery in London and is now aiming to come back to action in October. Recently, BCCI secretary Jay Shah said that India will have Shami fit and available for the upcoming high-voltage Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia.

Mohammed Shami likely to play second or third test match against New Zealand

A report in The Indian Express said, “Shami’s target would be the Ranji Trophy opener on October 11, which would allow him to make a comeback during the second or third Test against New Zealand at home, which is after the series against Bangladesh.”

The report added, “Alternatively, there is also a school of thought to send Shami to Australia with the India A team that is scheduled to play two four-day fixtures starting on October 31 and November 7 at Mackay and Melbourne.”

It is understood that the Indian management is not rushing with the fast bowler Shami’s comeback, and their main priority is to make him available for the five-match test series against Australia, starting November 22.

India schedule for New Zealand and Australia series:

Three-match Test series vs New Zealand:

October 16: IND vs NZ – First Test – Bengaluru

October 24: IND vs NZ – Second Test – Pune

November 1: IND vs NZ – Third Test – Mumbai

Five-match Test series vs Australia:

November 22-26: 1st test, Perth Stadium, Perth (D)

December 6-10: 2nd test, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (D/N)

December 14-18: 3rd test, The Gabba, Brisbane (D)

December 26-30: 4th test, MCG, Melbourne (D)

January 3-7: 5th Test, SCG, Sydney (D)

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