Mohammed Shami's latest audition for an India combeback in Bengal's preliminary quarterfinal against Haryana in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Thursday should make a case for his return to national colours as he led the bowling chart for his team.
After Bengal opted to bowl first at the Moti Bagh Stadium in Vadodara, right-arm pacer Shami ended up with figures of 3 for 61 in his 10-over spell.
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The veteran India fast bowler dismissed opener Himanshu Rana (14) in his first spell and then came back in the death overs to remove wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Bana (15) and Anshul Kamboj.
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While it is yet to be known how Shami fared in terms of fitness, completing his spell augurs well for his chances for an India comeback; however, he was a little bit on the expensive side, giving away 6.1 runs an over.
Haryana, meanwhile, won't be unhappy with their batting effort, as they put up a formidable 298 for 9 on the board -- led by half-centuries from Parth Vats (62) and Nishant Sindhu (64) in the middle order beside an unbeaten cameo of 32-ball 41 by SP Kumar in the end.
Shami has been absent from international cricket since sustaining an injury during the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he achieved the distinction of being the tournament's highest wicket-taker.
Following nearly a year's absence, he made his comeback in domestic cricket and played in the Ranji Trophy as well as the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. However, persistent swelling issues prevented his comeback to national colours.
The BCCI selectors, who are set to pick India's white-ball squads for the home series against England and the Champions Trophy in February-March, will need clearance from the board's medical team to consider Shami for selection.
