Shami's Australia tour uncertain due to fitness concerns

Mohammed Shami's participation in India's tour of Australia is uncertain due to his fitness. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to receive a clearance report from the Sports Science wing of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.

A team from the NCA, including a national selector, the head of BCCI's Sports Science wing, and a Strength and Conditioning trainer, had assessed Shami's fitness during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) in Rajkot. Shami, who has been recovering from a year-long injury, represented Bengal in the National T20 competition, finishing with an impressive eight wickets in seven games.

However, the primary concern is Shami's ability to withstand the workload of a Test match. Sources suggest that Shami might be available for the final Test in Sydney, with the best-case scenario being his availability for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. However, there is a possibility that he might not be sent to Australia at all.

Bengal has reached the knockout stage of the SMAT and will face Chandigarh in the pre-quarterfinals on November 9. Shami continues to be with the Bengal team and is expected to feature in the knockouts of the SMAT.

Shami was recently bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 10 crore in the Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction. He had missed the whole 2024 IPL season due to an ankle injury.