Shami’s Fitness Sways India Test Hopes for Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami’s journey back to the Test squad faces a setback as he has been ruled out of Bengal’s upcoming List-A match against Hyderabad on December 21st. This decision follows concerns about persistent knee swelling, raising doubts about his potential inclusion in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
India Test captain Rohit Sharma, speaking earlier this week in Brisbane, confirmed Shami’s knee woes and highlighted the team’s cautious approach towards his fitness. “We want to make sure he’s 200% fit before considering him,” stated Sharma, emphasizing that any updates regarding Shami’s status should originate from the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
“The last thing you want is a player coming here and getting injured mid-series,” Sharma added, acknowledging the risks involved in rushing Shami’s comeback. “We are not taking any chances unless we are absolutely certain.” However, he also expressed a willingness to welcome Shami back if the NCA deems him fit.
Shami’s pathway to recovery began with ankle surgery in London earlier this year. Although he displayed promising progress during the home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, a re-emergence of his knee issue during rehabilitation forced the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to enact a more conservative approach.
Close Monitoring and Next Step
Since his return to domestic cricket, Shami has been under constant observation by Nitin Patel, the Centre of Excellence’s head of sports science, and his team. They have been diligently tracking his progress and communicating updates to the team management.
Currently, Shami’s fitness goals are focused on the remaining Tests against Australia in Melbourne and on January 3rd. However, considering his recent setback, his participation in these matches appears unlikely.
If he cannot regain full fitness in time for the Australian Tests, Shami’s sights are set on the Champions Trophy, scheduled for February 19th. This upcoming tournament offers him a chance to showcase his skills on an international stage.
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