The speedster underwent surgery in February and has been undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. The fast bowler even shared a video of himself bowling in the nets at the NCA in July earlier his year. However, Shami has failed to get match-fit in time as he also didn't to make the cut for Bengal's squad for their opening Ranji Trophy fixtures. Recently, at the Cricket Association of Bengal's (CAB) annual awards ceremony, the Uttar Pradesh-born speedsterhad mentioned that he's trying his best to make his international comeback but maintained he won't rush himself back into action and will only return to the team when he's 100% fit. The fast bowler had also stated that he will be first seen playing for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy before making his India comeback. A few days before, beginning from November 22. However, Shami's unavailability for New Zealand Tests has raised questions on his participation in the Australia Test series. The fast bowler last played Test cricket during the World Test Championship Final 2023 against Australia. BCCI name Mayank Yadav, Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana as travelling reserves Shami's services will be desperately needed by India in Australia where they're eyeing to complete a hat-trick of series wins having already humbled the Kangaroos in their home in 2018-19 and 2020-21 respectively. The fast bowler has played eight matches in Australia and scalped 31 wickets at an average of 32.16. The BCCI is yet to give an official statement on Shami's progress which has further left the fans wondering if he will be able to get ready in time for the Australia series which is just over a month away. Meanwhile, in his absence, the BCCI has named fast bowlers for New Zealand series along with all rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy.