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Xtra Time Web Desk: Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary has expressed concerns about selecting Mohammed Shami for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 if the pacer isn’t fully fit. Shami, who is currently recovering from surgery earlier this year, has resumed bowling but is still completing his rehabilitation. He wasn’t included in the Bengal squad for their first two Ranji Trophy matches starting on October 11 and is expected to play a Test against New Zealand before the Australia tour.

In a conversation with RevSportz, Tiwary urged the selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, to prioritize Shami’s full fitness before considering him for the high-stakes series. He emphasized that picking Shami at 80% fitness could lead to further injuries, which would jeopardize both the team and Shami's long-term career.

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"No, how can you take him (Mohammed Shami) if he is 80 percent fit. In that case, there are chances of breakdown... If someone is not 100 percent fit, then he should not play," Tiwary stated.

Tiwary also highlighted the importance of preserving Shami for future white-ball tournaments, including the T20 World Cup, and believes India has the depth in pace to cover Shami's absence. He suggested it would be wiser to allow Shami to fully recover.

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Manoj Tiwary: Mohammed Shami Shouldn't Be Picked for Australia Tour Unless Fully Fit – Other Options Available.@ThumsUpOfficial @tiwarymanoj @CricSubhayan @BoriaMajumdar #MohammedShami #AUSvsIND pic.twitter.com/ZZiAi4MSFg

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) October 6, 2024

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“We have the bowlers who can replace him and fill the gap. Obviously, you won't get the experience and quality like him but... Whenever Shami is hundred percent fit, he should be the first name along with Jasprit Bumrah,” Tiwary added.

India’s pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and supported by Mohammed Siraj, is formidable, and if Shami returns fully fit, the trio will pose a significant challenge to Australia’s batters.