Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami is set to make his return to cricket next month, playing for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy after recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the 2023 ODI World Cup. He is expected to participate in one of Bengal's opening matches in October and subsequently in at least one of the three Tests against New Zealand. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah has indicated that Shami will likely be part of the squad for the Border-Gavaskar Test series in Australia this December, provided he passes fitness tests at the National Cricket Academy. Shami's return is crucial as selectors aim to have India's top pacers, including Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, fit for the Australia series. While Shami has resumed bowling, his final participation will be determined based on his fitness closer to the series.