Morne Morkel reveals Mohammed Shami's future in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel spilled the beans on the possible return of Mohammed Shami to international cricket ahead of the first Test of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia, starting on Friday, November 22.

Speaking to media on Wednesday, November 20, Morne Morkel called Mohammed Shami’s comeback a "massive win" for the Indian cricket team. Shami recently made his long-awaited return to action after a year-long hiatus due to an injury during the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25.

Morne Morkel hails Mohammed Shami's comeback as a massive win for India

Notably, the seasoned Indian pacer was out of action since the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia. And then Shami developed 'swollen knees' during his rehab at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, and it further delayed his return to competitive cricket.

However, Mohammed Shami made a stunning comeback, taking seven wickets for Bengal in the group match against Madhya Pradesh in Indore in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25. Now, the pacer is all set to play in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25, starting on November 23.

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Meanwhile, Morne Morkel denied Shami’s immediate return as he kept tight lips on the Indian pacer’s return to the Test squad during any part of the upcoming five-match Test series in Australia.

The Indian bowling coach acknowledged the immense value Shami brings with his world-class skills but said that the current efforts are underway to ensure he gets the best environment to regain his rhythm and confidence.

We are keeping a close eye on Mohammed Shami: Morne Morkel

Morkel called Shami the world-class bowler with his ability to swing the ball at pace, making him a match-winner in all formats. However, he insisted that India’s focus will be on providing Shami with the necessary support to regain full form for key tournaments ahead.

Morne Morkel said at the press conference: “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.”

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It is being said that the Indian selectors are very keen to send Mohammed Shami to Australia alongside Rohit Sharma for the upcoming high-voltage five-match Test series. But the Indian cricket team felt it was unfair to recall the senior pacer straightaway for a Test match as he played only one match in 2024 after the recovery.

Indian team management wants Mohammed Shami to play more domestic games

The team management wants Shami to play more domestic games before making a return to the Test side, and Morkel’s statement was a clear hint that the Indian pacer is nowhere in their plans, at least for now, for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Notably, Shami is the only Indian international player apart from Shahbaz Ahmed named in Bengal’s squad for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25, where they will kick off their campaign against Punjab on November 23.

However, Shami still has great chances to make the Australia trip.