Mohammed Shami confirms his Ticket to Australia after Ranji Trophy Comeback

Mohammed Shami has made a blazing comeback to competitive cricket after 360 days and it is a really good sign of his possible return to India's squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Shami was sidelined from the action since India’s heartbreaking 2023 ODI World Cup final loss to Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad last November due to an Achilles tendon injury that required surgery earlier this year.

The 34-year-old pacer was about to return to action for the Test series against New Zealand, but another setback forced him to wait for his comeback, and then he missed out on the squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Mohammed Shami makes a strong comeback after 360 Days, eyes return for Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

But Mohammed Shami finally managed to attain match fitness and get back to action for Bengal in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25. He is currently playing in a group match between Madhya Pradesh and Bengal at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore.

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Opting to bowl first, Madhya Pradesh ended the day at 103/1 after dismissing Bengal for 228 in their first innings on Day 1 of the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25 encounter in Indore. However, the seasoned pacer Mohammed Shami went wicketless on Day 1 against Madhya Pradesh on November 13.

On a lively green surface at Holkar Stadium, Mohammed Shami showcased his skills, delivering a stunning spell with figures of 10 overs, conceding 34 runs with a single maiden over. His opening four-over spell saw him conceding just 16 runs, including three boundaries, while his second spell spanned six overs, conceding only 18 more runs with a maiden.

Mohammed Shami returns with impressive figures of 19-4-54-4

However, the Bengal pacer returned with a bang on Day 2, bowling at full throttle to fold Madhya Pradesh for just 167 in their first innings with four wickets in the first session and helped Bengal secure a 61-run first-innings lead over the hosts in Indore. Shami made an immediate impact by dismissing Madhya Pradesh captain Shubham Sharma for just eight runs.

Later, the Indian pacer returned to shatter the lower order. In his 18th over, Shami removed all-rounder Saransh Jain, and in the next over, he struck twice in as many balls, sending Kumar Kartikeya and Khulwant Khejroliya back to the pavilion.

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The experienced fast bowler was the standout performer for Bengal, finishing with impressive figures of 4 wickets for 54 runs in 19 overs before lunch on Day 2 in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25 encounter against Madhya Pradesh. Notably, Shami is playing his first Ranji Trophy match for Bengal since November 2018.

#MohammedShami is back to the rhythm in #RanjiTrophy2024 pic.twitter.com/Oqm3fWeDbK

— Daniel Calib (@DCalib) November 14, 2024

Mohammed Shami’s endurance in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 game raises hopes for Test return for Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

The most satisfying thing from Shami's standout performance was his ability to bowl 19 of Bengal's 59 overs, the highest by any bowler in the ongoing red-ball match. This shows Shami’s readiness to bowl for extended periods, hinting at a positive sign of his fitness as he gears up for his return to international cricket for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia.

It is being said that the Indian selectors and the BCCI are keeping a close watch on Shami’s form and fitness in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25, as a solid performance could strengthen his case for a spot in India’s squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia. The first Test of the upcoming five-match series will be played in Perth from November 22.