Mohammed Shami's Fitness Assessment in Rajkot

A team from the BCCI Sports Science department, along with national selector SS Das, is currently in Rajkot to assess the fitness of Mohammed Shami. The 34-year-old pacer is expected to join the Indian team in Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Shami's Current Status

Shami has been representing Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) and has played four matches so far. His returns are:

• 1/46 against Punjab
• 3/21 against Hyderabad
• 0/46 against Mizoram
• 0/38 against Madhya Pradesh

Fitness Assessment

The BCCI Sports Science department is closely monitoring Shami's fitness, with a focus on determining whether he can handle the physical demands of a high-intensity Test match. The team is assessing his ability to endure the workload of a Test match, rather than his pace, form, and rhythm.

Next Steps

Shami is expected to play a few more matches for Bengal before the national selectors make a decision on his recall. Bengal have three more league games scheduled in Rajkot before the tournament moves to Bengaluru for the knockout rounds.

Importance of Shami

Jasprit Bumrah has acknowledged the importance of Shami in the national side, stating that the team management is closely monitoring his progress. "Mohammed Shami is an integral part of this team. He's started bowling, and the management is keeping a close eye on him."