#INDvAUS: BCCI springs a SURPRISE, officially includes fiery pacer in Indian team for 4th Test

Bengal speedster Mohammed Shami on Friday has been officially included in the Indian Test team for the fourth cricket Test against Australia with indications that he may replace Ishant Sharma. Ishant's lack of wickets has been a case of concern for the Indian team throughout the series and Shami's inclusion is considered a welcome move. 

Shami recently bowled with a lot of fire for Bengal in the Vijay Hazare Trophy grabbing 4 for 26 in the final against Tamil Nadu. The BCCI confirmed that Shami along with Shreyas Iyer are now officially part of the squad making them eligible for selection in the playing XI. 

Shami has not played since picking up an injury against England in November, but India have decided to bolster their options given the pace and carry usually associated with the pitch at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.

However, the surprising fact is that just a couple of days ago, a well-informed source of BCCI had told PTI that Shami will not be part of the team for the last Test. "Shami was with the team in Ranchi also as Farhart is monitoring his progress. He was not named in the squad of 15 for the final Test. Sending him to play Vijay Hazare final was a part of that extensive rehabilitation plan," the source had said.

(Inputs from agencies)