Mohammed Shami, India’s premier fast bowler, is diligently working towards regaining full fitness ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. The five-match Test series is scheduled to take place between November 2024 and January 2025 in Australia.
Shami’s return to action has been eagerly anticipated after a prolonged absence. His last appearance for India was in the 2023 ODI World Cup final on November 19. Since then, he has been sidelined due to an ankle injury.
The pacer has been undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) after undergoing ankle surgery earlier this year. Despite the setback, there is optimism that Shami may regain full fitness before the team’s departure for Australia.
Recently, Shami was spotted bowling at full tilt on the same pitch where India lost the opening Test to New Zealand in Bengaluru. The session was closely monitored by India bowling coach Morne Morkel. A video of the session has gone viral on social media, showcasing Shami’s progress.
However, India captain Rohit Sharma has expressed reservations about including Shami in the Test squad for Australia, even if he regains fitness. Sharma cited Shami’s lack of match practice as a concern.
“To be honest, it is difficult to make a call on him for the Australia series. He had a setback and had swelling in his knees. That put him back a little bit and had to start again. He’s at the NCA with doctors and physios. We don’t want to bring undercooked Shami to Australia. We are keeping our fingers crossed,” Sharma said.
Despite the captain’s reservations, Shami remains determined to prove his fitness and earn a place in the Test squad. The pacer’s experience and skill would be invaluable to India’s chances of success in Australia.
