Mohammed Shami to make a comeback against Madhya Pradesh in Ranji Trophy | Cricket News

India pacer Mohammed Shami is set to make his return to the competitive cricket on Wednesday, when he will turn up for Bengal in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has said in a press release.
Shami, who has been out of the competitive action since India’s ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad last November, will spearhead the Bengal pace bowling attack against Madhya Pradesh in Indore.
“Shami’s inclusion in the Bengal team will not just be a big boost but also lift the morale of the entire team, which aims to make it to the next round of the Ranji Trophy,” read CAB’s statement.
Bengal are currently placed in the fifth spot in the points table with 8 points from 4 games, bagged three crucial points from their last match against Karnataka.
Mohammed Shami in action.
“He is a valuable player for India and the team his service will be required for the Australia series. Recently, he mentioned how keen he is about playing a couple of Ranji games for Bengal before travelling to Australia. Good outings in the Ranji Trophy will be good for him ahead of the Australia tour and will be a big boost for us our four key players are playing for India and India A,” Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla had told The Indian Express.
Mohammed Shami will join Indian team in the later half of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. (Express File)
Since picking up an ankle injury during last year’s World Cup, Shami underwent surgery and was in line for a comeback during the home season. However, earlier this month, he suffered another setback through a swollen knee, which delayed his return.
Shami was not named in India’s 18-member Border Gavaskar Trophy squad, but the pacer was hopeful that might travel to Australia in the later half of the series.
It is understood that Shami’s workload will be gradually increased now with the second half of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy being targeted for his comeback.
“If I get fit and get a gap of 8-10 days, it’s better that I play one or two domestic matches before going to Australia. I don’t know when I can play next, but the day I feel comfortable about bowling 20-30 overs and get the nod from the doctors, I’ll run to play a match,” the pacer had said.