NEW DELHI: Contrary to earlier reports and high hopes of a recovery, Mohammad Shami will not be available for the three-Test series against New Zealand at home from October 16. The Indian fast bowler, who is undergoing rehabilitation after Achilles tendon surgery, is expected to make a comeback during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia later this year. Shami, who underwent surgery on his right Achilles tendon in the UK in February, is working on his recovery at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. The 34-year-old has not played any cricket since the 2023 ODI World Cup and missed India’s triumphant World T20 2024 campaign in June. He was in considerable pain during the 50-over tournament and relied on injections to see him through the matches. The prospect of Shami returning for the two Tests against Bangladesh starting on September 19 was always slim. Despite some optimism in the BCCI about his potential participation in the New Zealand series, sources have confirmed to Sportskeeda that Shami will not be fit for the series against the Black Caps, including the final Test starting on November 1. Shami is now most likely to return during the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, with the first Test starting on November 22 in Perth. This series will be a significant milestone for Shami as it will bring him back to the site of his injury during BGT 2020/21 when he suffered a fractured right forearm in the infamous Adelaide Test. Apart from his international comeback, Shami is expected to play at least a few matches during the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season. However, the Gujarat Titans paceman’s participation will be subject to NCA approval as he is yet to receive his Eligibility Certificate. The Ranji Trophy will be played in two phases this season. The first phase begins on October 11, with teams playing five matches, the last of which is scheduled for November 13. Shami could feature in any of these matches, with the second phase continuing on January 23, 2025.
