Senior Indian speedster Mohammed Shami is expected to feature in the final two Tests of the ongoing series against Australia, with his playing kit already sent down under and fitness clearance from the NCA medical team a “matter of formality”. While the Brisbane Test (starting December 14) could be a cakewalk for the Bengal veteran, it is a foregone conclusion that he will feature in the fourth Test in Melbourne on Boxing Day (December 26). A source close to the cricketer said that the NCA ‘fitness certificate’ would be available very soon.

“Shami’s India kit has already been sent to Australia. He will complete the Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 task and then leave,” the source told PTI.

The 34-year-old Shami, who last played for India in the ODI World Cup final in November 2023, had to take a long break due to an ankle surgery that required surgery.

Just before his much-anticipated comeback against New Zealand, Shami developed swelling in his knee which delayed his return.

With the knockout stage of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy taking place in Bengaluru, the head of the NCA (National Cricket Academy) medical team, Dr. Nitin Patel, and strength and conditioning coach Nishant Bordoloi will examine him after Bengal completes their campaign in Bengaluru for the National T20 Championship.

“Shami will play for us in the pre-quarterfinal against Chandigarh. He will join us in Bengaluru tomorrow. However, I’m not sure if he will be available if we qualify for the quarter-finals or go the distance. “I guess he will be fit and available for the last two Australia Tests,” Bengal head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla, who has taken a close look at his premier bowler, told PTI.

Shukla echoed the views of former India boss Ravi Shastri, who feels Shami is needed in Brisbane as early as possible.

Shukla said Shami did the right thing by choosing to play SMAT after bowling 43 overs against Madhya Pradesh in a Ranji Trophy match in Indore.

“He has already lost around six kilograms of body weight. He has played seven T20 matches in 13 days. If he plays previous quarters, it’s eight games in 16 days.”

“Shami himself wanted to play quite a bit of domestic cricket and inform NCA about how his body reacts,” said Shukla, a former ODI player.

India won the first Test in Perth while the second match, a day-night match, is currently underway in Adelaide.

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