The BCCI has confirmed that fast bowler Mohammed Shami will not take any part in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, due to a left knee swelling picked up during his comeback bid.
Shami hasn't played for India in over a year, his last international game being the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia on November 19.
A BCCI press release clarified that Shami had completely recovered from his left heel injury, and consequently participated in nine matches of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, also sending down 43 overs in a Ranji Trophy match in November. However, during this period, there was a minor swelling observed in his left knee, which according to the update, is on expected lines.
"Based on the current medical assessment, the BCCI Medical Team has determined that his knee requires more time for controlled exposure to bowling loads. Consequently, he has not been deemed fit for consideration for the remaining two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy," read a statement from the BCCI.
Shami will now continue working alongside the BCCI medical staff to recover at the Centre of Excellence, and will undergo "targeted strength and conditioning" to "build his bowling loads needed to meet the demands of the longest format of the game".
His participation in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy is subject to the timeline of his recovery from this injury. He is yet to play a match in the tournament.
There was some hope among Indian fans that the 34-year-old will be able to play some role in the Australia series, having made his comeback in time for Bengal. However, Shami did face niggles at different points of his comeback, and hasn't played a game since December 11. When Rohit Sharma was asked about the status of his injury, he said: "I think it's high time somebody from NCA talks about him, where he is rehabbing".
"Those guys are the ones who need to come up and give us some kind of update. I understand he's playing a lot of cricket back home, but there have been some complaints about his knee as well."
The fourth Test of the five-match series will be played in Melbourne, starting December 26.
Meanwhile, India have added uncapped spin-bowling all-rounder Tanush Kotian to the squad following the retirement of R Ashwin.
More to follow...
Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.
