Indian fast bowler, Mohammed Shami is set to return in action for two Ranji Trophy matches for Bengal state, before the squad announcement of Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Experts anticipate Shami’s return to the Indian dressing room for the upcoming Australian tour.
The veteran seamer hasn’t played any competitive cricket since the ODI World Cup final last November. Mohammed Shami is as motivated as before to make a sensational comeback in Indian team.
The Bengal team management is optimistic that the 34-year-old will join them for their two away matches in Rounds 3 and 4. He is likely to represent Bengal against Karnataka at the Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru, from November 6.
Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla said “He is not available for this match (vs Kerala), but we are hopeful that Shami will join us for games against Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh,”
He added “He is a valuable player for India and the team his service will be required for the Australia series. Recently, he mentioned how keen he is about playing a couple of Ranji games for Bengal before travelling to Australia. Good outings in the Ranji Trophy will be good for him ahead of the Australia tour and will be a big boost for us our four key players are playing for India and India A,”
Ruturaj led India A off to Australia for tour
Indian batter Ruturaj Gaikwad is given the responsibility to lead the India A side for a short tour in Australia, before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Bengal batter Abhimanyu Easwaran has been named as vice-captain for the side.
Other players that are part of the squad are Sai Sudarshan, Devdutt Padikkal, Ishan Kishan, B Indrajith, Abishek Porel, Mukesh Kumar, Ricky Bhui, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Manav Suthar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed, Tanush Kotian, and Yash Dayal.
The team is expected to play two unofficial test matches against Australia A and one warm-up match against Indian team, which will be elected for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
