As anticipation builds for India’s upcoming Test series against Australia, the Indian cricket team is meticulously preparing to achieve what would be an unprecedented hat-trick of series wins on Australian soil. Having secured 2-1 victories in their previous two tours, India is eyeing a third consecutive series triumph in the land Down Under. However, their recent defeat to Australia in the ICC World Test Championship final serves as a stark reminder of the challenge that lies ahead.

A crucial factor in India’s pursuit of another Border-Gavaskar Trophy win will be the fitness and form of their pace attack. Leading the charge will be Jasprit Bumrah, who has been strategically rested to ensure he is in peak condition for the series. Alongside Bumrah, India will rely heavily on veteran pacer Mohammed Shami, whose fitness has been a subject of keen interest.

Shami, who has not played any cricket since the 2023 ODI World Cup final, has yet to be fully integrated back into the squad. Although there was speculation that he might return for the upcoming Bangladesh Test series, recent reports indicate that Shami will first prove his fitness by participating in the Ranji Trophy. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has confirmed that the 33-year-old fast bowler is expected to be available for the Australia tour, emphasizing the importance of his experience in Australian conditions.

“Our team is already well prepared. We have rested Jasprit Bumrah for a while now. Mohammad Shami is expected to be fit too. This is an experienced Indian side now. Seniors like Rohit and Kohli are fit,” Shah told Times of India. “Shami will be there (in Australia) because he is experienced, and we need him in Australia,” he added.

However, Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Snehasish Ganguly has stressed that Shami will need to prove his fitness in domestic cricket before being confirmed for the Australia series. “He (Shami) wants to be on that tour. But he has to play Ranji Trophy to prove himself,” Ganguly stated.