Mohammed Shami likely still has plenty left in the tank and a few more miles to go, but can the injuries please stay away?
Source: Hindustan Times
Mohammed Shami’s last competitive appearance was on November 19, 2023, during India’s heartbreaking loss to Australia in the final of the 50-over World Cup. Typically bowling first-change behind Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, Shami had been brought into the playing XI for the league match against New Zealand in Dharamsala. However, in the title clash, Shami was unexpectedly given the second over, as he was feeling unwell and requested to bowl while still at his freshest.
The experienced pacer struck with his first legal ball, having David Warner caught at first slip by Virat Kohli. But that was as good as it got for Shami – and India. He finished with one for 47 from seven overs which increasingly became bereft of venom as Australia romped home by six wickets with 42 deliveries to spare.
Neither Shami nor the key stakeholders in Indian cricket could have predicted that he would spend an extended period on the sidelines due to an Achilles tendon injury, which required right heel surgery in London in February. Fortunately for the national team, Shami’s absence didn’t significantly impact them, as India had no overseas Test matches scheduled for the majority of 2024, except for the early January encounter in Cape Town against South Africa, which India won comfortably in just two days.
Shami’s rehabilitation, carefully monitored by the Sports Science team at the National Cricket Academy, progressed exceptionally well, fueling hopes of his return to the international stage during the three-Test home series against New Zealand. A detailed Return to Play protocol was implemented, requiring players recovering from injury to demonstrate match fitness in a game situation. It was decided that he would first feature in one of Bengal’s early Ranji Trophy matches before being reintegrated into the national squad.
The timelines worked in Shami’s favor – the Ranji Trophy season began on October 11, while the last of the New Zealand Tests in Mumbai is scheduled for November 1. Even if he missed the first two Tests in Bengaluru (starting Wednesday) and Pune (October 24-28), he had plenty of time to play one Ranji game for Bengal, prove his fitness, and get back into Test mode before the crucial five-Test tour of Australia, which begins next month.
Fresh Knee Injury Adds to Shami’s Troubles
Everything was on track for Mohammed Shami’s comeback until a recent setback—a knee injury that now threatens his participation in the upcoming tour of Australia. After nearing full fitness, Shami developed swelling in his knee, an unexpected issue that has forced him to reset his recovery process. This injury now jeopardizes his chance of playing any Test in Australia.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma addressed the situation, saying, “He is working with the physios and doctors at the NCA. We are keeping our fingers crossed. We want him to be 100% fit, more than anything else. We don’t want to bring an undercooked Shami to Australia.”
For Shami to be fully match-fit, he needs overs in competitive games, not just in practice sessions. Given his current condition, it’s unlikely he’ll be available for the first half of the Australian tour, forcing India to cope without one of their frontline pacers.
India has had to contend with injuries to key players in recent years, particularly during their last tour of Australia. In that series, Shami broke his forearm during the first Test in Adelaide, and other key players like Ravindra Jadeja, Hanuma Vihari, R Ashwin, and Jasprit Bumrah were also sidelined. Despite these setbacks, India’s remarkable comeback to clinch the series was nothing short of extraordinary.
Shami would have been eager to build on his impressive record in Australia, where he has taken 37 wickets in eight Tests. The conditions there, with their pronounced bounce and seam-friendly pitches, suit his bowling style. However, at 34 years old, Shami is at a stage in his career where injuries take longer to heal, and recovery time is extended compared to younger players.
Having served Indian cricket for nearly 12 years, with 448 international wickets to his name, Shami still has plenty to offer. There’s certainly gas left in the tank, but the question remains—will the injuries finally give him a break?
Follow us for more Insights
