Mohammed Shami, India’s premier fast bowler, is back in action after undergoing heel surgery earlier this year. The 34-year-old has been pain-free since the procedure and is eager to regain his sharpness ahead of the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy tour of Australia.
Shami has not played for the national team since the 2019 World Cup final against Australia. He had almost returned to full fitness before being ruled out of the ongoing three-test series against New Zealand due to a separate knee injury.
With the Border Gavaskar Trophy approaching, India is keen to have Shami back in their ranks. The pace bowler has been bowling during practice and is confident of being ready for the five-test series in Australia next month.
“I’m 100% pain-free,” Shami said. “It felt great yesterday because I had been bowling with half a run-up on and off since I can’t put too much stress on my body.”
Shami is aware of the importance of the upcoming series and is determined to be at his best. “I know what kind of an attack we want for that test series (against Australia), so it’s better I spend some more time on the ground before going,” he said.
The fast bowler is also considering playing a couple of domestic matches to improve his sharpness. “If I get fit and I get a gap of eight to 10 days, then it’s better I play one or two domestic matches before going to Australia,” he added.
India’s tour of Australia begins in Perth on November 22. Shami’s return to the team will be a major boost for India’s chances of success in the Border Gavaskar Trophy.
