The Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla was amazed at the seamless return of pacer Mohammed Shami to competitive cricket after being sidelined for almost 12 months.
The right-arm pacer made a successful return picking four wickets in Bengal’s Ranji Trophy clash against Madhya Pradesh in Indore on Thursday which raises his hopes for Border Gavaskar Trophy appearance.
His stunning 4/54 in 19 overs during the Ranji Trophy game has shed lights on his proving his fitness.
Bengal coach Shukla has spoke about his stunning comeback saying, “Someone has come back after one year and has bowled 19 overs and taken so many wickets… what’s there to say.”
“He came into the match without doing any match simulation. Can you imagine? But obviously if he plays more, he will get better.”
“He bowled one six-over spell and one five-over spell. Players who bowl in the IPL don’t even know how to bowl more than four overs. He bowled the sort of spells fast bowlers are expected to. I have never seen a fast bowler come back so strongly after one year away. What he did today is like a fairy-tale,” Shukla added.
Mohammed Shami hasn’t been named in the Indian squad as the team management doesn’t want to rush him to action. Meanwhile team India has begun their preparations on WACA ground.
With many speculations on Rohit Sharma’s availability, his replacement if he misses the test and injury concerns, Shami has proved his fitness and is ready to action in Australia.
If Mohammed Shami could return for the series, it may significantly boost India’s hopes for series win in Australia.
The five-match test series will kickstart on November 22 while the second test will be played on a day-night format under the stadium lights starting on December 06.
The third test will be played in the Gabba which will be held between December 14-18. The fourth test will be played between December 26-30 at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The fifth and final test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3-7 will give a promising dramatic conclusion for the exciting contest.
