Mohammed Shami blocked from playing SMAT as Sourav Ganguly makes huge statement on his BGT participation

Former India National Cricket Team captain Sourav Ganguly batted for the inclusion of Mohammed Shami in the Test squad for the first Test against the Australia National Cricket Team. He said that the fast bowler should be on the first flight to Australia and doesn't need to play Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

After almost one year, Mohammed Shami is back on the cricket field. The pacer made his return through the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 while playing for Bengal in the game against Madhya Pradesh. His last appearance came in the game in the ICC World Cup 2023.

Mohammed Shami looked in incredible touch with the ball in his comeback game

Mohammed Shami looked in incredible touch with the ball in his comeback game. The fast bowler looked in great rhythm and bowled impeccable lines and lengths. The speedster troubled the opposition batters and made sure that he put his team at the top.

Shami didn't have the greatest of starts, as he went wicketless on the first day. But after that, he made sure that he got back to his best as he moved the ball both ways and picked wickets in a flash for his team, looking threatening in each spell.

Mohammed Shami picked four in the first innings and, after that, picked three wickets in the second innings that helped Bengal win the match. He bowled 44 overs in the game and looked incredibly fit as he also made a decent contribution for his team with the bat.

I will send him to Australia even if he misses the Perth test and he keeps bowling - Sourav Ganguly on Mohammed Shami

Sourav Ganguly believes that Mohammed Shami should be on the first flight to Australia as he proved his worth with the ball and his fitness as well. Speaking to RevSportz about the same, he explained:

"Yeah, I will send him to Australia. He doesn't need to play Mushtaq Ali. I will send him to Australia even if he misses the Perth Test and he keeps bowling. He keeps bowling. He should be on the flight now. And he is bowling today as well.

"I don't know what's the score. But I am sure he will bowl another 25-30 overs today in this inning as well. And he should be on the next flight to Australia. He may miss the Perth Test."

Prasidh will play ahead of Akashdeep because of the height - Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly also talked about the pace-friendly conditions in Australia and also picked his third pacer for the team. He believes that Prasidh Krishna will be preferred over Akash Deep in the XI. The former skipper mentioned that even if Shami misses the first game, he should be fit for the Adelaide Test. He added:

"Because there will be bowling-friendly conditions in Siraj and Bumrah, Akash Deep and Prasidh. I think Prasidh will play ahead of Akash because of the height and bounce in these conditions. So, he should be on the flight and should be ready to play the Adelaide Test." he concluded.

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