Shami's Selection For Border-Gavaskar Trophy Rests On NCA Sports Science Wing's Approval: Report

Mumbai: The Indian cricket team management is awaiting the green signal from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) Sports Science Wing before selecting pacer Mohammed Shami for the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series against Australia.

According to a report by Cricbuzz, the BCCI's selectors want to see Shami play more games in domestic competitions, including the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Ranji Trophy, to ensure he is fully fit and ready for Test cricket.

Shami, a crucial member of the Indian team in the longest format, has been out of action for nearly a year following an injury. He was spotted by NCA trainers Nitin Patel and Nishant Bardule during his recent stint in Saurashtra, where they monitored his fitness closely.

The report claims that Shami has been working on drills provided by the NCA trainer after he departed Rajkot. However, the BCCI's Sports Science Department needs to give its nod of approval before selecting him for the team.

India is currently facing a three-Test series against Australia, and having Shami back in the team would mean that the country could field its first-choice fast-bowling trio of Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj. Shami has been inactive since the 2023 ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad.

His next three games against Meghalaya, Bihar, and Rajasthan will be crucial in determining whether he is ready to return for India.