Former South African pacer and Team India’s current bowling coach Morne Morkel has clarified the speculations on Mohammed Shami’s participation in the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 that started in Perth on November 22.
Before the commencement of the 5-match test series, Morkel said that the entire team management is closely observing Mohammed Shami’s recent form after undergoing ankle surgery earlier this year. He feels that it would be too early to make judgments about his form based on his recent performance against Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy Elite 2024-25.
The unpredictable weather conditions and the pitches in Australia that generate huge paces and bounce makes it challenging for the visiting teams to adapt. In addition, India’s pace bowling unit has been heavily dependent on Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. With Shami’s inclusion, there are possibilities for India to strengthen their bowling lineup.
On the other side, the former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly hopes Shami to make his comeback into the Indian cricket team in the present 17th edition of the BGT. Although he has been selected for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024, Ganguly feels that he wouldn’t require another domestic tournament to prove his skills.
According to the latest news, Shami’s participation is confirmed as he is part of Bengal’s squad in the SMAT 2024. His team would start their first match against Punjab on November 23 (Saturday) at Saurashtra Cricket Stadium, which would be Day 2 of the continuing Perth Test series.
Morne Morkel vs Sourav Ganguly’s Opinion About Shami’s Participation in BGT 2024-25
The former cricketers Morne Morkel and Sourav Ganguly shared their contrasting opinions about Mohammed Shami’s participation in the continuing Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
Morne Morkel Hints BCCI and Team Management’s Cautious Approach
Ahead of the first test match, Morne Morkel signals that the BCCI and the team management would provide some time to regain complete fitness before making any decisions regarding his participation in the BGT 2024–25 series:
“Yeah! We are closely observing Shami’s performance as he has been out of action for almost a year. It is great news that he is back into competitive cricket. We are working together to provide him with the best support to find his form again. Already, he has proven himself as a world-class bowler. We need to respect him and consider his body condition as well”, Morne Morkel clarified.
Furthermore, Morkel praised Shami’s heroic performance by taking 7 wickets against Madhya Pradesh in both innings:
“Brilliant! His bowling performance contributed to a massive win for his team. Moreover, it is a fact to appreciate for picking up so many wickets in his first match. We can provide him the best chance to get back into the national team. It is all about having patience and allowing his body to gain form again with the red ball or white ball, whatever format it might be. However, it was good to watch him back on the scene after a long time,” Morkel said.
Based on Morne Morkel’s statement, it is understood that Shami won’t travel to Australia as the selectors would prefer observing his performance in a few more domestic cricket tournaments.
Sourav Ganguly Wants Mohammed Shami to Participate in BGT 2024-25
As Morne Morkel isn’t interested in rushing Shami back into international cricket, the former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly strongly feels that the 34-year-old pacer should have been selected for the remaining pink-ball test matches in the series:
“No! He should not be included in another domestic tournament. He bowled almost 45 overs and ensured his presence on the field for more than 100 overs. Also, we need to consider that he scored a few valuable runs batting lower in the order. What else is required to prove that his fitness levels are good to allow him to participate in the Australia test series? Also, you require a fast bowler of his level who can complement Jasprit Bumrah,” Sourav Ganguly said.
The ex-Indian batsman believes that Shami should have been in Australia to strengthen the bowling line-up rather than playing the SMAT 2024.
Shami’s Comeback Against Madhya Pradesh in Ranji Trophy Elite 2024
Mohammed Shami restarted his cricket career after his last appearance in the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia. A knee injury forced him out of action for 360 days and made his comeback on November 13 playing for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy Elite 2024.
In his first game itself, he showed his worth with his impressive bowling figures of 4/54 and 3/102. Additionally, Shami proved his abilities as a tailender in Bengal’s 2nd innings by scoring 37 runs out of 36 balls faced by striking 2 fours and 2 sixes.
Overall Thoughts:
Mohammed Shami’s outstanding track record in Australia could attract selectors’ attention to include him for the remaining tests in the current BGT series.
As the finals of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is scheduled to take place on December 15, there are possibilities for Shami to join the Indian squad in the Boxing Day test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) that takes place on December 26.
Finally, the management prefers a safe approach after facing a severe whitewash of a 0-3 loss to New Zealand in the 3-match home test series and would confirm the key pacer’s participation based on his performance in the upcoming SMAT 2024 tournament.