BGT 2024-25: Mohammed Shami not cleared by BCCI to join test squad in Australia

Mohammed Shami last played international cricket in World Cup 2023.

After a long wait, the BCCI has finally confirmed that fast bowler Mohammed Shami will not be flying to Australia for the remainder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. The BCCI said that while Shami has recovered from his heel injury, he has picked up a knee injury and consequently, needs more time to be fit for test cricket.

There had been growing rumors of Mohammed Shami’s potential availability for the last two or last test match of the ongoing series against Australia as he has been playing in the ongoing domestic season.

But on Monday, the BCCI quashed those rumors and confirmed that Shami will not be added to India’s test squad.

Mohammed Shami will eye return to ODI series for England series and ICC Champions Trophy 2025

“His left knee has exhibited minor swelling due to increased joint loading from his bowling workload. The swelling is on the expected lines, owing to the increased bowling after a prolonged period,” the BCCI said.

“Based on the current medical assessment, the BCCI Medical Team has determined that his knee requires more time for controlled exposure to bowling loads. Consequently, he has not been deemed fit for consideration for the remaining two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

“Shami will continue to undergo targeted strength and conditioning work under the guidance of the medical staff at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence and build his bowling loads needed to meet the demands of the longest format of the game. His participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy will depend on the progress of his knee.”

Mohammed Shami last played international cricket in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final in November last year. He played the competition with a heel injury, for which he underwent a surgery in February earlier this year.

He made his comeback to professional cricket through the domestic season. He played one Ranji Trophy match and nine Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) matches and has been named in the Bengal squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Shami will next be eyeing a return to the Indian team through the three-match ODI series against England in February, ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

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