'We Need Him in Australia': Jay Shah Confirms India Will Pick Mohammed Shami For AUS Series

There’s a huge anticipation around India’s upcoming tour of Australia given how their previous two Test series there have turned out to be. India have returned with a scoreline of 2-1 in their favour from each of their previous two tours of the country and are now eyeing a hat-trick.

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Australia are aware of that and are gearing up to reclaim the Border Gavaskar Trophy which has remained with India for some time now.

The two teams last crossed swords in the final of the ICC World Test Championship when Australia emerged victorious.

India are aware that for them to best Australia for the third time in a row in their own backyard is a task easier said than done but they know for them to accomplish the mission, a fit and in-form pace bowling attack is a must.

The Indian team management has been gearing up for the tour with their pace ace Jasprit Bumrah in the midst of a break as they aim to keep him fresh for the Test assignments. However, India will also need the services of experienced Mohammed Shami who hasn’t played any form of cricket since the 2023 ODI World Cup final.

There’s no timeline over his potential return.

Earlier, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar had said the 33-year-old could be back for the Bangladesh Test series but now it’s been reported he will ease into competitive mode through Ranji Trophy.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah has all but confirmed that the pacer will be available for the Australia tour.

“Our team is already well prepared. We have rested Jasprit Bumrah for a while now. Mohammad Shami is expected to be fit too. This is an experienced Indian side now. Seniors like Rohit and Kohli are fit,” he told Times of India on the team’s preparation for the Australia tour.

“Shami will be there (in Australia) because he is experienced, and we need him in Australia,” he added.

Meanwhile, Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Snehasish Ganguly says Shami will have to prove his fitness through Ranji Trophy if he hopes to be on the flight for the Australia series.

“He (Shami) wants to be on that tour. But he has to play Ranji Trophy to prove himself,” Ganguly said.