India have a massive boost ahead of the big series, with an injured player slowly getting into his groove.
India have a few concerns before the Border Gavaskar Trophy, including injury to a few players and the recent form of sure-starters. However, the team has a massive boost ahead of the big series, with an injured player slowly getting into his groove.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Mohammed Shami, who has been out of action since last year, was seen bowling without trouble on the main pitch following India’s defeat against New Zealand in Bengaluru. While his left knee was heavily stripped, Shami bowled for an extended period to India’s assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, with India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel closely monitoring the session.
After a few warm-up deliveries, Shami marked his run-up and bowled with full tilt, and later Morkel placed cones on the pitch, with the Indian bowler continuing to bowl. He also took part in the fielding drill close to the boundary midway through his bowling session.
Meanwhile, Shami also had a 45-minute session on practice pitches after the close of Day 2 in Bengaluru. He bowled with short and long run-up in this session, showing he is close to regaining full fitness ahead of the five-match Test series in Australia.
Mohammed Shami hasn’t played competitive cricket since the World Cup 2023 final, where Australia defeated India in Ahmedabad. He took part in that tournament with an ankle injury but ended as a leading wicket-taker, snaring 24 wickets at 10.70 runs apiece.
Following the end of the tournament, Shami underwent surgery to heal his ankle in London in February earlier in the year. Initially, he was supposed to make a comeback via Ranji Trophy, where he plays for Bengal.
However, a fresh swelling on his knee came as a massive setback as Shami couldn’t return to playing cricket and had to extend his rehab. However, he revealed he is working hard to get fit for the Border Gavaskar Trophy.
India will need a fit Mohammed Shami for the Australia tour, for he has the skillsets to bring regular breakthroughs. His partnership with Jasprit Bumrah will play a crucial role in dictating how India perform in the series.
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