Mohammed Shami marked his Ranji Trophy comeback with a superb four-wicket haul for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh, a performance that has reignited hopes of his inclusion in India’s squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Shami's fiery spell helped Bengal restrict MP to a modest first-innings score of 167, giving Bengal a crucial 61-run lead on Day 2. With his pace, movement, and trademark accuracy, Shami made a strong case for his potential return to the Indian lineup ahead of the high-stakes series.

Shami’s four-wicket burst powers Bengal to first Innings advantage

Returning to the domestic stage with a point to prove, India’s pace ace Mohammed Shami unleashed his signature seam and swing to dismantle Madhya Pradesh’s lineup in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match. Shami’s impressive figures of 4/54 in 19 overs highlighted his ability to extract both movement and pace, a critical factor in restricting MP to just 167 runs in their first innings. Bengal gained a 61-run lead by lunch on Day 2, thanks to Shami’s fiery spell, which featured well-placed bouncers, searing yorkers, and disciplined line and length, keeping the opposition on the back foot throughout.

Shami’s accuracy and control left MP’s top and middle order in shambles. He delivered a consistent pace attack with a remarkable economy of just 2.80, proving his ability to handle high-pressure situations even after a period away from the international spotlight. While Bengal’s bowlers capitalized on Shami’s breakthrough performance, the veteran pacer’s potential return to the Indian squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy could add further depth to India’s pace attack, especially on Australia’s fast, bouncy tracks.

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Border-Gavaskar Trophy hopes rest on Shami’s impressive Ranji show

Shami’s availability for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia remains a pressing question for the Indian team. Initially omitted from the BGT squad due to fitness concerns, Shami’s selection was withheld to ensure that he would be fully prepared for the challenging Australian conditions. Team India captain Rohit Sharma had commented on this decision, saying they wanted a fully fit Shami, avoiding any risk with an “undercooked” bowler in a critical series.

With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy slated to begin on November 22 in Perth, a venue known for its pace-friendly pitch, Shami’s form and fitness become even more crucial. The Indian team has relied heavily on its pace arsenal in recent years, and Shami’s experience in handling high-bounce wickets makes him an asset that could complement India’s lineup alongside other frontline seamers.

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has publicly stated that Shami’s bowling style is well-suited for Australia’s conditions, especially in Perth and Adelaide, where his ability to exploit the pace and bounce could be invaluable. Shami’s Ranji performance has sparked conversations about a possible call-up, and his inclusion could address a potential gap in India’s pace lineup for the high-stakes series against Australia.

India’s supporters and cricket pundits alike will be watching Shami’s domestic performances with keen interest, as his potential return could boost India’s campaign in Australia, where the team will face one of its most challenging tours. If Shami proves his form and resilience in this Ranji match, he might just find himself on a flight to Australia, ready to take on the world’s best in the iconic Border-Gavaskar series.