India’s veteran fast bowler, Mohammed Shami, has dispelled doubts about his fitness, declaring himself “100 per cent pain-free” ahead of the much-anticipated Test series against Australia. Shami, who last played for India in the 2023 ODI World Cup final on November 19 against Australia, had been battling an ankle injury during that match. Despite the setback, he finished the tournament with a remarkable 24 wickets in just seven matches, boasting an average of 10.70.
Following the World Cup, Shami underwent surgery in London in February and has since been working through a rigorous rehabilitation process at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Speculation around Shami’s fitness intensified when India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, mentioned that the pacer had experienced swelling in his knees during his recovery.
This raised concerns about Shami’s availability for the critical five-match Test series in Australia, scheduled to start on November 22 in Perth. However, Shami has now provided an update, indicating that his recovery is on track and that he’s confident about returning to full form.
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“I am very happy with how I bowled yesterday. I was bowling from half run-up earlier to avoid putting too much load, but yesterday I went full tilt, and I bowled at 100 percent,” Mohammed Shami told reporters at an event hosted by Eugenix Hair Sciences, as reported by NDTV Sports.
Breaking!
I am pain free now. Felt really good in the full intensity bowling session in Bengaluru yesterday. I want to make sure that I go to Australia with enough bowling under my belt. For that targeting one or two games in the Ranji Trophy: Mohammed Shami pic.twitter.com/bXo7i7Qu7o
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) October 21, 2024
Mohammed Shami has also been spotted putting in extra hours on the field. After the first Test between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru, he bowled for over an hour on the main pitch, showing determination to regain his top form. He also expressed his desire to participate in a few Ranji Trophy matches for Bengal to sharpen his skills before the Australian tour.
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“The result was good. I am 100 percent pain-free. People have been wondering for a while if I’ll be ready for the Australia series, but there’s still time. Right now, my focus is on ensuring I’m fully fit and stronger for the series. I know the kind of attack we need in Australia. I want to spend more time on the ground and play a couple of (Ranji) matches before heading there,”Mohammed Shami said, emphasizing his commitment to preparation.
With Shami’s progress looking positive, India could have their spearhead pacer back in time for the high-stakes Test series down under.
