Mohammed Shami's Exclusion from New Zealand Tests Squad Sparks Worries for Upcoming Australia Tour

A 15-member squad for the next Test series against New Zealand has been announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday, October 11, 2024. Jasprit Bumrah has been designated vice-captain; Rohit Sharma will once again lead the side. October 16 is set aside for the opening game of the three-match series. 

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Mohammed Shami’s snub from the New Zealand Test series raises eyebrows for the Australia Tour next month 

Originally last seen in the ODI World Cup 2023, Mohammed Shami has been out since then owing to an ankle ailment. In February 2024 he had surgery for this damage; in July 2024 he began bowling in practice sessions at Bengaluru's National Cricket Academy (NCA).

Mohammed Shami is still missing from the team as announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on October 11 on the lineup for the next three-match Test series against New Zealand. His continuous rehabilitation has prevented him from engaging in competitive play, so he missed Bengal's team for their Ranji Trophy opening games.

Shami said at the Cricket Association of Bengal's (CAB) recent annual awards event his will to return to international cricket. He underlined that he would only come back when he is healthy and that he will first take part in the Ranji Trophy for Bengal before coming back into the national squad. He also attacked the fake news recently for disseminating speculations about his involvement in the next five-match Test series against Australia, scheduled for November 22.

Mohammed Shami last participated in Test cricket at the World Test Championship Final in 2023, hence, his absence from the Tests against New Zealand begs questions about his preparedness for the series against Australia.

India's squad announced

India’s squad for the three Tests against New Zealand:  Rohit Sharma (C),  Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill,  Virat Kohli ,  KL Rahul , Sarfaraz Khan,  Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK),  Ravichandran Ashwin , Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep

Travelling Reserves: Harshit Rana,  Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mayank Yadav and Prasidh Krishna

India vs New Zealand: Full schedule

India vs New Zealand 1st Test: October 16 to 20, Bengaluru (Start time - 9:30 AM IST)

India vs New Zealand 2nd Test: October 24 to 28, Pune (Start time - 9:30 AM IST)

India vs New Zealand 3rd Test: November 1 to 5, Mumbai (Start time - 9:30 AM IST)