IND vs AUS: The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25 is very close, with the first Test of the five-match Test series set to start on November 22. The recent headlines are about the veteran Indian fast bowler, Mohammed Shami. Shami was not included in the main squad for the series, but reports reveal that he is set to be included in the latter part of the series. India’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, opened up on Shami’s chances of featuring in the BGT 2024/25.
Morkel said that the team management is keeping close tabs on the fitness and form of Shami. He expressed relief that Shami is back after an injury that kept him out of cricket for a year, and his return is very good for the Indian Cricket Team. The former Proteas fast bowler went on to say that the BCCI, along with the team, is looking to provide the best support for the veteran fast bowler to return to playing cricket for India.
“We are keeping a close eye on Shami. He has been out for a year. For us, it is a massive win that he is back playing. How we can give him the best support to find his feet again? Working closely with the people back home. He is a world-class bowler.”
Morne Morkel said at the press conference
Mohammed Shami is part of the Bengal squad for the Vijay-Hazare Trophy
So, it is clear that the team management wants the fast bowler to play more matches before he is part of Test cricket for India. Shami recently dominated with the red ball against Madhya Pradesh, and he is all set to feature in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as well.
The team management looked forward to including Shami and captain Rohit Sharma for the second Test match against Australia. However, they have felt that it would be wrong to straight away get him into the playing XI after such a long injury.
Mohammad Shami’s last appearance for the India side was back in Ahmedabad in the World Cup final, where he went on to pick 24 wickets for the Indian side and was held as the finest player in the side.
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