New Delhi: India's senior fast bowler Mohammed Shami is ready to play in the last two Tests of the ongoing series against Australia and his 'playing kit' has already reached Australia while getting fitness clearance from the NCA medical team is just a formality.

Shami will be seen playing in the Boxing Day Test.

It may not be easy for this experienced Bengal cricketer to play in the Test starting in Brisbaneonm December 14. But he will certainly appear in the fourth Test in Melbourne on 'Boxing Day' (December 26). A source close to this cricketer said that the fitness certificate from the NCA will be received very soon. The source told PTI, 'Shami's Indian kit has already been sent to Australia. He will complete the Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 tournament and then leave.'

Return delayed due to knee swelling

Shami (34 years) last played for India in the ODI World Cup final in November 2023 and after that, he was forced to stay out for a long time due to ankle surgery. His return against New Zealand seemed certain but just before that Shami's knee got swollen which delayed his return.

Waiting to geta  fitness certificate from NCA

With the knockout rounds of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy being held in Bengaluru, it is expected that NCA (National Cricket Academy) medical team head Dr Nitin Patel and strength and conditioning trainer Nishant Bordoloi will assess Bengal after their campaign in the National T20 Championship ends.

Bengal coach said Shastri's demand is justified.

Bengal head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla is keeping an eye on his key bowler. "Shami will play the pre-quarterfinal for us against Chandigarh. He will join us in Bengaluru by tomorrow. However, I don't know if he will be available if we qualify for the quarterfinals. I think he will be fit and available for the last two Tests against Australia," he told PTI. Shukla also agrees with former India chief Ravi Shastri who feels Shami is needed in Brisbane.