Bengal head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla has said that while Mohammed Shami isn't available for their next game against Kerala, the management hopes that he will join the team for upcoming matches against Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh, according to a report in The Indian Express. Shami has not played any competitive cricket since the 2019 ODI World Cup final and will be crucial for India's chances in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy if he is fit enough to travel Down Under.

The Bengal team management is hopeful that Shami will turn up in their two away fixtures in Rounds 3 and 4. He might join the Bengal side in Bengaluru ahead of their game against Karnataka, beginning November 6.

Shami is tipped to play in the next game in Indore against Madhya Pradesh as well, starting November 13.

"He isn't available for this match, but we are hopeful that Shami will join us for games against Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh," Shukla told The Indian Express.

"He is a valuable player for India and the team his service will be required for the Australia series. He mentioned how keen he is about playing a couple of Ranji games for Bengal before travelling to Australia. Good outings in the Ranji Trophy will be good for him ahead of the Australia tour," Shukla added.

With Shami all set to play the two domestic matches, he will not travel with the Indian team to Australia, who will reportedly leave on November 7.

After his heroics in the ODI World Cup where he finished as the highest wicket-taker, Shami underwent ankle surgery in London. He was tipped to make a comeback in the home Test series against either Bangladesh or New Zealand but the recovery was lengthened after a swelling on his foot, as said by India skipper Rohit Sharma.

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