Watch: India pacer Mohammed Shami made his comeback to professional cricket after a year out with injury on Wednesday, playing for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy.
At the Holkar Stadium in Indore, Bengal took on Madhya Pradesh, who won the toss and elected to field first. Bengal were reduced to 33-3 and 79-5, before Shahbaz Ahmed and captain Anustup Majumdar put on 96 for the sixth wicket. Shahbaz top scored with 92 as they were eventually bowled out for 228.
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Bengal began to bowl on the evening of day one, with all eyes on Shami, playing his first match since the 2023 World Cup final against Australia on November 19, 2023. This was also his first first-class match since the World Test Championship final against the same opposition in June last year.
Shami opened the bowling for Bengal, but understandably looked rusty. He did get a few balls to beat the bat, sending down a couple of sharp bouncers as well. However, these were also interspersed with some loose deliveries, wide of the stumps.
He also appeared to have trouble with his left ankle, as reported by spectators at the ground.
Shami was spotted bowling in the nets at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium last month, following the conclusion of India's Test match against New Zealand. He has not been named in the squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but if his comeback goes well, Shami could end up being a late inclusion for the back half of the series. However, India will also have to be careful not to rush him back from injury too quickly.
He went wicketless on day one against MP, but on the morning of day two (November 14), played a key role in sparking a collapse, finishing with figures of 19-4-54-4.
Watch Mohammed Shami bowl for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy here
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