New Delhi: India's semi-final defeat to Australia in the ICC World Cup was pacer Mohammed Shami's last outing in national colors.
Shami finished with 17 wickets at 17.29 and was India's highest wicket-taker at the tournament.
His performance on Australian pitches was hailed as one of the finest by an Indian pacer in recent times.
Just when he looked good to lead India's attack for the remainder of 2015, Shami picked up a knee injury, which made sure he didn't play any more international cricket.
The 25-year-old returned to action almost nine months later for Bengal in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Shami bowled his fully quota of 10 overs, picking up two wickets for 52 against Uttar Pradesh in his first game. In the next, he bowled eight overs for 40 runs and a wicket.
Shami showed a marked improvement in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy leading Bengal to a win over Hyderabad with a sterling spell of 3/18 on Saturday.
Despite losing the second Group A match against Tamil Nadu, Shami on Sunday was once was among the wickets with figures of 2/30 in four overs.
MS Dhoni will be delighted with the progress of his premier pacer ahead of the crucial tour to Australia.
In order for India to compete against the Aussies, Shami will have to lead the attack as he did on his previous trip.
Shami was India's bowling star against the Australians with with 15 scalps at 35.80 in the Test series as well.
With a proven track record Down Under, India will once again look to Shami to help seal a famous series win.
