Mohammed Shami is putting in the effort to prepare for his comeback as India gears up for a five-match Test series in Australia. The 34-year-old fast bowler, sidelined by an ankle injury since last November, has been training at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. After undergoing surgery earlier this year, Shami bowled for over an hour following the first Test between India and New Zealand, working hard to regain his playing form ahead of the crucial tour.
Despite having significant support on his left knee, Shami displayed no signs of discomfort as he bowled at full speed, with the Indian coaching staff observing closely. Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar and bowling coach Morne Morkel were on hand to oversee his practice, which also included fielding drills near the boundary. Shami’s fitness will be crucial for India’s fast bowling lineup as they prepare for the challenging conditions in Australia.
Shami’s Road to Recovery Post Surgery
Shami last took the field during the 2023 ODI World Cup final, where he played despite an ankle injury and ended up as the tournament’s second-highest wicket-taker. After having surgery in London in February, Shami missed a lot of cricket, including India’s domestic season and Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand. India is eager to have him back, but his fitness is a concern with the Australian tour on the horizon.
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Rohit Sharma, the captain of India, pointed out that Shami’s extended absence will need to be managed carefully. “He hasn’t played any cricket for over a year, and it’s challenging for a fast bowler to be away for so long and return at his peak. We want him to be fully recovered before he plays in Australia,” Sharma stated. Shami’s recovery will be crucial for India’s game plan, as the conditions in Australia require a fit and effective pace attack.
Fitness Concerns Persist Ahead of Australia’s Tour
Shami’s involvement in the Australia series is still in doubt due to recent swelling in his knee, as noted by Rohit Sharma. This issue has postponed his return, but the bowler’s recent training sessions show he is making strides toward full fitness. The Indian team is cautiously hopeful, prioritizing Shami’s complete recovery over hastening his return to international play.
India’s tour of Australia is crucial, and the team management is unwilling to take any chances with a not fully fit Shami. “We don’t want to bring an unfit Shami to Australia. That wouldn’t be the right choice for us,” Sharma stated. As Shami continues his recovery, India will monitor his progress closely, eager for his return as a vital part of their pace attack.
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