Mohammed Shami to Join Indian Squad for Last 2 Tests, Kit Already Sent to Australia: Reports

Senior India fast bowler Mohammed Shami is ready to play in the final two Tests of the ongoing series against Australia. His playing kit has already been sent to Australia, and getting fitness clearance from the NCA's medical team is expected to be a formality.

Although Shami's participation in the Brisbane Test from December 14 will be governed by his fitness level, he is most likely to feature in the fourth Test in Melbourne on Boxing Day, December 26.

A source close to Mohammed Shami confirmed that the NCA’s "fitness certificate" will be issued soon. "Shami's India kit has already been sent to Australia. He will finish his Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 duties and then depart," the source told PTI.

The 34-year-old Shami, who last played for India in the final of the ODI World Cup in November 2023, had been out for an extended period after suffering an ankle injury which needed surgery. In a crushing twist to his comeback against New Zealand, swelling in his knee started appearing right at the brink of his return.

With the knockout round of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy being played at Bengaluru, it is considered that NCA medical head Dr Nitin Patel along with strength and conditioning coach Nishant Bordoloi may observe Shami when Bengal's campaign in the National T20 Championship concludes.

Shami Set to Join India for Brisbane and Melbourne Tests

"Shami will play the pre-quarterfinal for us against Chandigarh. He will join us in Bengaluru tomorrow. However, I'm not sure if he'll be available for the quarterfinals or further matches if we qualify. But he should be fit and ready for the last two Tests against Australia," said Bengal head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla, who has closely monitored Shami's progress.

Shukla agreed with former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who believes Shami’s presence will be crucial in Brisbane. 

Shukla also mentioned that Shami made a good decision by playing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) after bowling 43 overs in a Ranji Trophy match in Indore against Madhya Pradesh.

"He has already lost around six kilograms. He has played seven T20 games in 13 days, and if he plays the pre-quarterfinal, it will be eight games in 16 days," Shukla explained. "Shami himself wanted to play enough domestic cricket to understand how his body reacts and keep the NCA informed," added Shukla, a former ODI player.

India won the first Test in Perth, and the second game, a day-night match, is currently underway in Adelaide.