Fast bowler Mohammed Shami is likely to make a comeback for the upcoming test series against Bangladesh. In a recent development, Shami is making significant progress from the ankle injury he sustained during the ODI World Cup in November 2023.
The expectation is that he will be making a return for India’s home season starting with a test series against Bangladesh in September. The Selectors have been updated on Shami’s recovery progress and a decision on proving his fitness by playing at least one Duleep Trophy match which is beginning of September 05 in Anantapur, will be made soon.
Shami is in the final stages of his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. Shami resumed bowling last month for the first time after his surgery in February.
He has been increasing his workload with no reports of pain. Before the Indian team’s departure chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed Shami had started bowling and indicated that Shami would aim to return to action for Bangladesh’s first test.
“We more or less know who the guys are, there are some injuries at the moment and hope they will be back up. Shami has started to bowl which is a good sign. September 19 is the first Test and that was always the goal. I don’t know if that is his timeline for recovery, will have to ask the guys at the NCA about that.” said Ajit Agarkar.
Ajit Agarkar has also emphasized the importance of the fast bowling department given in the test schedule.
“There are so many Tests coming. We will need some depth. Bumrah, Shami, and Siraj have been around for a while, these are the obvious ones. But there will be some conversation around it. Got a lot of first-class cricket coming up so we can build guys up like that,” he added.
This proves the need for available fast bowlers who can be rotated to manage Workloads and injuries. Last month, Mohammed Shami revealed his desire to play for Bengal before making it to the Indian team. he also participated in motivational and fitness sessions with state players.
With Shami racing against Time, his availability has brought in many expectations. Even if he misses India’s home tests, he would have enough time to regain his bowling rhythm for the tour of Australia.
India has five test matches at home including two test matches against Bangladesh and three against New Zealand. The team will depart shortly after the end of the Third test against Kiwis on November 5.
Additionally, the Ranji Trophy begins in October and India’s A team will play two FC games in Australia from October 31.
Mohammed Shami suffered an ankle injury in the ODI World Cup 2023, which caused him many months in his cricketing career. He also missed England’s tour of India and IPL 2024.
Shami was a key player for India in the ODI World Cup 2023 taking 24 wickets in seven games with an average of 10.70 and a strike rate of 10.20. His inclusion will be a significant boost for the Indian seam attack for a busy home schedule and the tour of Australia.
