Overview
- An unnamed senior selector requested Mohammed Shami to play at least one India A game against the England Lions in Canterbury or Northampton to gauge Test readiness, and Shami replied he was still building workload and should not be considered.
- Board officials say selectors and support staff contacted him multiple times and note the sports science unit holds medical data used to judge whether he can withstand international demands.
- Despite 93 overs and 15 Ranji Trophy wickets, including a five-for against Gujarat, reports highlight short four-over bursts, frequent breaks and an average speed near 130 kmph as red flags for long-format selection.
- Shami was left out of India’s recent squads, including the two-Test home series against South Africa, having last played internationally in March during the Champions Trophy.
- After skipping the Railways fixture, he is expected to feature for Bengal against Assam from November 16 and then the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, with his international prospects still uncertain.