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Mohammed Shami Unlikely To Travel To Australia As NCA Yet To Offer Fitness Clearance

Akshita Patel

Shami's fitness dilemma continues to loom large on BCCI [Source: @sh_scribe/X.com]Shami's fitness dilemma continues to loom large on BCCI [Source: @sh_scribe/X.com]

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Mohammed Shami, currently recovering from ankle and knee injury, is yet to receive a fitness clearance from BCCI centre of excellence, which is essentially hindering his potential inclusion in the Border-Gavaskar Series. According to Cricbuzz, Shami is regularly being evaluated by BCCI's Sports Science wing as he continues to play for Bengal in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024. 

Indian pace attack in Border-Gavaskar Trophy is missing a piece i.e Mohammed Shami. Since the past 12 months, Shami has been out of the field with multiple injury concerns. After enduring ankle surgery, he developed swelling in knees, which prevented his inclusion in India's squad for the Australia series.

However, as Shami donned the Bengal jersey for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, fans' hoped for a comeback in the second half of the 5-game series. Shami has 8 wickets in 7 games and critics have been impressed with his progress.

Shami likely to be ruled out of BGT contention

That being said, according to Cricbuzz’s latest report, the BCCI is not very keen on sending Mohammed Shami to Australia. Shami, despite bowling at full throttle in the domestic tournament, is yet to receive a fitness clearance report from the BCCI Center of Excellence.

The Sports Science wing featuring selector SS Das, the head of Sports Science wing Nitin Patel and a strength and conditioning trainer Nishanta Bardule visited Shami in Rajkot during a SMAT game and evaluated his fitness status. 

However, the committee is still doubtful of Shami's ability to endure the workload of a Test match. The question right now is whether to send Shami to Australia and not when.

An optimistic timeline for Shami's return is perhaps the final Test of the series in Sydney scheduled from January 3-7.

Shami led Bengal to SMAT knockouts

Mohammed Shami, despite enduring multiple injuries, is proving his brilliance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024. In a recent game against Rajasthan, the Bengal pacer picked 3 wickets for 26 runs in four overs to guide his team to the knockout stages. However, irrespective of his stats, the BCCI is taking a cautious approach. Momentarily, a potential appearance in the BGT series looks like a far-fetched dream.