Mohammed Shami denied the 'fake reports' of a fresh knee injury delaying his return to international cricket on Wednesday. The star fast bowler also asked the media to not spread any rumours regarding his injury and potential return to international cricket.
Notably, Shami is expected to return to competitive cricket with the first round of the Ranji Trophy. He has been named in Bengal's squad for the premier red-ball tournament and is likely to render his services at some stage during the tournament.
The BCCI medical team has been closely monitoring Shami's fitness at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) to get him up and running for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to be played down under. Team India would require the services of the veteran pacer as he has the experience of playing in the Australian conditions.
If Shami fails to regain his fitness in time then it will put a lot of burden on Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Bumrah has a terrific record in the red-ball format against Australia in Australia. The right-arm speedster has picked up 32 wickets in seven Tests down under at a spectacular average of 21.25, including a five-wicket haul.
Other than Siraj and Bumrah, India do not have an experienced pacer who can be relied upon in Australia. While Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar have impressed in the limited opportunities that they have got in Tests, they are still learning the craft at the highest level.
India's tour of Australia will get underway on November 22 with the first Test in Perth.
