Shami, India’s star performer in the ODI World Cup last year, has not turned out for the country ever since as he continued to recuperate from an ankle injury that required surgery earlier in 2024. A lengthy rehab followed, and there were reports that he would be fit for India’s new season, beginning with the Test series against Bangladesh in September.
However, he faced further setbacks during rehab, developing a swelling in his right knee. It kept him out of the New Zealand home series as well and also meant that he was not picked for the tour to Australia.
He returned to professional cricket last month, playing one Ranji Trophy clash for Bengal, against Madhya Pradesh. In the encounter, Shami bowled 43.2 overs across both innings, picking up seven wickets, and sending out a strong statement of his fitness. He has also played eight games in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India’s domestic T20 tournament, grabbing nine wickets at an average of 26.22. His economy rate of 7.49 is impressive as well.
Ben Curran, brother of England internationals Sam and Tom, will be representing Zimbabwe in the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan.
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) December 9, 2024
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Shami, one of India’s trusted red-ball bowlers in recent times, is yet to take the flight to Australia for the Test series, despite the struggles of India’s seamers in the Adelaide day-night Test. Barring Jasprit Bumrah, who is having one of the best years by a quick in the history of the game, the others lacked discipline and accuracy, going for 4.66 runs an over combined. Bumrah, on the other hand, had an economy rate of 2.62.
Rohit Sharma, however, threw caution to the wind, despite recent reports suggesting that the fast bowler’s kit has already been sent Down Under and that he could be in contention to play the last two Tests.
Why is Shami not in India’s squad vs Australia?
After the defeat, Rohit provided an update on Shami’s fitness. “We are just monitoring him because while playing Syed Mushtaq Ali, he got some swelling in his knee, which hampers his preparation to come and play a Test match. We want to be very careful, we don't want to bring him here, he pulls up sore or something happens.
“We want to be more than 100% sure with him because it has been a long time. We don't want to put pressure on him to come here and do the job for the team. There are some professionals monitoring, we will take a call based on what those guys feel. They are the ones watching him every game, how he pulls up after the game, after bowling four overs, standing for 20 overs. But the door is open for him to come and play anytime."
Also read: Third Curran brother receives maiden international call-up – for Zimbabwe
After Rohit’s statement, Shami helped Bengal to a narrow three-run win in the SMAT on Monday (December 9), making an unbeaten 32 in just 17 balls with two sixes. He also picked up one wicket and conceded 25 runs in his four overs.
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