Mohammed Shami, the star pacer for India, suffered an ankle injury during the 2023 ODI World Cup. He eventually had surgery and began training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru shortly after that. The 34-year-old bowler started bowling again in July, but he isn’t yet ready to return to professional cricket.
Giving an update on his injury, Shami said he doesn’t want to take a chance on being hurt again. The Bengal pacer said he is working on a return, but he hasn’t set a date just yet because he hasn’t fully recovered from his injury. Shami made it clear that he is not considering the forthcoming series between Australia and New Zealand and that, should it be necessary, he will play domestic cricket to assess his fitness before playing again for the international team.
“I know I haven’t been active in a while, so I’m trying hard to get back into the game soon. I want to make sure that when I come back, there is no pain. In order to avoid discomfort, I need to improve my fitness, Shami remarked at the CAB annual awards.
To gauge my level of fitness, if I have to play domestic cricket, I will: Mohammed Shami
“It is better for me the stronger I return. Whether it’s against Bangladesh, New Zealand, or the Australia series, I don’t want to rush and run the danger of getting hurt again. I’ve already begun bowling, but I won’t risk anything until I’m fully recovered. I’ll play domestic cricket if it’s necessary to gauge my level of fitness. Regardless of the opposition or format, what matters most is that I am prepared for whatever comes next,” he continued.
India’s next schedule includes matches against Bangladesh and New Zealand, before a winter trip to Australia.
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Shami is anticipated to appear in the Australian series, but a lot will depend on how his body reacts. The selectors don’t appear to be in a rush to get the pacer back in just now.