India’s premier pacer, Mohammed Shami, is all set to make his return to the national team for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia. After proving his fitness with an impressive Ranji Trophy performance for Bengal, Shami will soon be joining the Indian squad for the series, which kicks off on November 22 at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

Shami’s childhood coach, Mohammed Badruddin, confirmed the fast bowler’s readiness for the tour, revealing that Shami will likely join the team after the second Test in Adelaide. 

Shami recently returned to competitive cricket after nearly a year, delivering an exceptional performance in the Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh. In the game at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, the experienced pacer claimed 4 wickets for 54 runs in 19 overs, showcasing his rhythm and control.

Speaking to the Indian Express, Badruddin praised Shami’s comeback, saying, “He will be joining the Indian team after the Adelaide (second) Test. Now that he is back, proved his fitness, picked up wickets, he will be crucial for the team in the second half of the tour.”

Reflecting on Shami’s performance, Badruddin added that it didn’t appear as if the pacer was returning after a long injury layoff. “I saw his bowling clips and it didn’t feel like he was bowling after one year. You can’t take the art away from the artist. He has waited very patiently for this moment,” he noted.

Shami’s availability for the second half of the tour will be a massive boost for India as they look to strengthen their pace attack for the challenging Australian conditions. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will see matches played in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney, concluding on January 7, 2025.