NEW DELHI:
Mohammed Shami
, the experienced fast bowler, is expected to return to competitive cricket following his ankle surgery and subsequent rehabilitation. The pacer is likely to represent his state team, Bengal, in the upcoming
Ranji Trophy
matches, PTI reported.
According to sources, Shami is set to feature in at least one of Bengal's initial Ranji fixtures, either against UP on October 11 in an away game or versus Bihar in Kolkata on October 18.
However, considering the short two-day gap between the matches, it is improbable that he will participate in both encounters.
The speedster's return to
domestic cricket
could potentially pave the way for his international comeback, with a possible appearance in one of the
Test matches
against New Zealand later this year.
The Test series against New Zealand kicks off on October 19 in Bengaluru, with additional matches scheduled in Pune on October 24 and Mumbai on November 1. Shami is anticipated to participate in one of these games before heading to Australia for the major tour.
Shami, 34, one of India's premier fast bowlers, last represented the national team in the ODI World Cup final against Australia in Ahmedabad on November 19 of the previous year.
Since then, Shami has not played any competitive matches due to undergoing ankle surgery in the United Kingdom in February of this year, which ruled him out for at least six months.
Although there are Instagram videos showing Shami beginning his Return To Play (RTP) routines at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, where he has been bowling with a shortened run-up and at low intensity, there were reports suggesting he might be available for the Duleep Trophy.
However, it has been determined that Shami is unlikely to be fit for the Duleep Trophy, and the selectors are cautious about rushing his return prematurely.
The priority is to ensure that India's leading pace trio - Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj - are fully fit for the five-Test series in Australia.
To date, Shami has taken 229 wickets in 64 Tests, including six five-wicket hauls and 12 four-wicket hauls.
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