The pacer is determined to go to Australia only if he is fully fit, acknowledging that there is still some work to be done on his fitness.
Source: Hindustan Times
Gurugram: It must have been a relief for the Indian team management to see Mohammed Shami charging in with a full run-up at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday. The fast bowler was showcasing his skills on the same pitch where the team had suffered a defeat to New Zealand early on the fifth day.
What wouldn’t the Indian team management have given to have Mohammed Shami alongside Jasprit Bumrah on a lively pitch where India was bowled out for just 46 runs, allowing New Zealand to build a decisive 356-run lead in the first innings? Fortunately, the good news is that Shami is now fit, happy with his bowling rhythm, and eager to test himself in matches after a long break, having last played in the ODI World Cup final loss to Australia in November 2023.
Shami is set to play for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, and if he emerges without issues, it will address the major concern of both the national selectors and fans: Is the 34-year-old ready to reunite with Bumrah for the Australia Test series starting on November 23? The pair has not bowled together in a Test match since July 2022 in Birmingham.
“Felt very good after yesterday. Before that, I was only bowling in short, half-hour sessions to avoid putting too much strain at once. Yesterday, I decided to go all out over two sessions. I bowled at 100%, and the results were positive. Hopefully, I’ll be back on track very soon,” Shami shared on Monday.
This isn’t the first time mohammed Shami has faced a long injury layoff. After the 2015 ODI World Cup in Australia, where he took 17 wickets, he was sidelined for over a year due to a knee injury. Almost a year has passed since he last played, following ankle ligament surgery in London in February. Just as he was on the verge of a comeback, swelling in his knee delayed his return.
“Yes, everyone has been wondering if I’ll be ready for the Australia series,” Mohammad Shami said during a media interaction at Eugenix Hair Sciences, where he underwent a hair transplant. “But that’s a far-off question. My main focus right now is getting fully fit. I want to make sure I’m strong and fit before I head to Australia. I don’t want to risk getting injured again once I’m there.”
Shami didn’t want to set a specific timeline for his return but said, “I can’t say for sure, but once I feel I can bowl 20 or 30 overs without any issues, and the doctors give me the go-ahead, I’ll be ready to play. My hope is to spend as much time as possible on the ground before the Australia series.”
Reflecting on the challenges of a long injury layoff, especially late in one’s career, Shami remained philosophical. “It teaches you how much you can fight and perfect your craft. In times like these, it’s important to stay patient and keep frustrations at bay. Focus on fitness and your game. Patience becomes your biggest asset during this phase.”
Despite the long break, mohammed Shami was not concerned about losing his skills. “The main focus has been fitness because I have no doubts about my skills. Some things are innate, and rhythm is important, but your talent won’t leave you. Fitness is the key, and you have to fight for that.”
Mohammed Shami is looking forward to playing in his fourth Test series in Australia. His past experiences have been memorable, with 15 wickets in three Tests during the 2014-15 series and 16 wickets in India’s historic series win in Australia. However, the 2020-21 tour was cut short for him after suffering a forearm fracture while batting in the first Test in Adelaide.
“Australian conditions suit us well. Any team with four fast bowlers, especially ours who are all different types, will thrive in those conditions. If we get the right bounce, it’s even better. All we ask for is a decent score to defend,” Mohammad Shami said with confidence.
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