We’re definitely keeping a close eye on Shami – Morne Morkel

In less than 24 hours, Team India will take to the yard against Australia in the first of five Tests, at Perth. As India’s preparations go on full swing, India’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel gave a crucial update about Mohammed Shami, who has missed a massive part of India's recent Test series' due to injury.

However, Shami was recently conscripted into the Bengal side for a Ranji Trophy game and he dished out a stunning performance, claiming seven wickets across two innings.

Knowing the Australian conditions, Shami’s presence in the side is of utmost importance. Talking in the pre-match presser, Morkel said, “We’re definitely keeping a close eye (on him). Shami is a world class bowler. But also, on the same page, we need to understand that he has been out of the game for almost a year. And we also need to respect him and his body.”

Morkel further added, “For us, it’s a massive win for us that he's back playing. It was a great win for him picking up wickets in the first game. So how can we give him the best support? How can we give him the best opportunity to find his way back into the team? It's about being patient and giving his body to find its feet again with red-ball, white-ball, whatever format it might be. We are working closely with people back home. Glad to see him back on the field."