Following India’s defeat against New Zealand yesterday, Shami was seen bowling on the main strip in an intense session in Bengaluru.
Mohammed Shami has provided a massive update on his fitness and his road to return to international cricket. He hasn’t played for India since the World Cup 2023 final due to an ankle injury, for which he underwent surgery in February earlier this year.
Following India’s defeat against New Zealand yesterday, Shami was seen bowling on the main strip in an intense session in Bengaluru. He bowled for an extended period in full tilt and took part in the fielding drill midway through the session, showing no signs of pain or regression.
In a fresh development, Shami revealed he is happy with his progress and gave his 100% in the session yesterday. At an event by Eugenix Hair Sciences, the Indian speedster confirmed he is pain-free after reports about a swollen knee emerged a few weeks back.
“I am very happy with how I bowled yesterday. Before that, I was using half run-up to manage the load. But yesterday, I went full tilt and gave 100 per cent. The outcome was good. I am completely pain-free now. There’s been a lot of talk about whether I’ll make it to the Australia series, but there’s still time. My focus is on fitness and how strong I can be for the Australia series. I understand the kind of bowling attack we’ll need there, and I need more time on the field”
India’s concerns regarding Mohammed Shami’s fitness are understandable, for he is an ideal weapon for the tracks in Australia. His lengths are suited to the conditions Down Under, and he has been successful there.
He has 31 wickets at an average of 32.16 and a strike rate of 54.22 in 15 outings in Australia, including two five-wicket hauls. His previous experience playing there will be more than handy for the Indian team, for Shami has toured Australia thrice in his Test career.
Mohammed Siraj’s recent form has dwindled, so the onus has massively come on Jasprit Bumrah. India can’t afford to go with only one firing speedster to Australia, where pacers naturally get more assistance.
Hence, Shami’s recovery is mandatory if India are to make it a hat-trick of series wins in that part of the world. Not only fit, but India will also need him to be in the red-ball groove from the first match of the rubber, so they would want him to play for his domestic side before taking the plane to Australia.
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