IND vs AUS: Mohammed Shami's Date of joining India squad for BGT Confirmed, Bengal coach Reveals pacer lost 6 kgs

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India may finally have their wish of seeing Mohammed Shami spearheading with the Red ball in Australia, as per the latest reports.

The India pacer, who is currently with the Bengal team for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, is set to fly to Australia in the coming days.

As reported by MyKhel, Mohammed Shami has travelled with Bengal for SMAT Knockouts and will be playing in their pre-quarterfinal match against Chandigarh on Monday, but he may well be called on for national duties after that.

When will Mohammed Shami join India Team in Australia?

Shami looks all set to rejoin the national squad for the final two Tests of the ongoing series against Australia. His playing kit has already been sent to Australia, and fitness clearance from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) is now considered a mere formality.

Although the 3rd Test in Brisbane may be too early for him, Shami is almost certain to feature in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground starting on December 26. The India pacer may fly to Australia in the period between December 10 to December 12, but it may defer according to the NCA report.

Shami's return follows a remarkable comeback journey after recovering from ankle surgery and subsequent swelling in his knee. His last India appearance came in the World Cup 2023 final. The 34-year-old speedster has showcased immense dedication to regain peak fitness, shedding an impressive six kilograms of body weight.

"He has already shed around six kilograms of body weight. He has played seven T20 games in 13 days. If he plays the pre-quarterfinal, it will be eight games in 16 days," Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla said to PTI.

Shami has been actively participating in domestic cricket, featuring in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) and a Ranji Trophy game where he bowled 43 overs. Shukla added, "Shami himself wanted to play a fair amount of domestic cricket and inform NCA how his body reacts."

The pacer's potential return to the Test side couldn't come at a better time. Former India coach Ravi Shastri echoed Shukla's sentiments, emphasizing Shami's importance in the bowling attack. And the veteran pacer may have to play a crucial part in the Tests series if he plays in the last two matches.

Although Shami's injury has thwarted him several times in his road to recovery, the grit and determination from the pacer means the pacer may finally board the flight to Australia.