BCCI May Delay Mohammed Shami Return, Considering Bold Move for Australia Series Hat-Trick

BCCI May Delay Mohammed Shami Return, Considering Bold Move for Australia Series Hat-Trick

Mohammad Shami comes forth as one of the top pace bowlers of India, and his cricket goes way back to last year when he turned up for his country during the 2023 ODI World Cup.

He was instrumental in taking them to the final, which very unfortunately went against India. It was in that period that Shami got injured in the ankle and finally underwent surgery on the same during February this year.

Shami currently is 33 years old, on a meticulous road to recovery. The team management of India will leave no stone unturned in his rehabilitation to get him fit for time ahead of the upcoming challenges, as he has been busy undergoing his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.

Though the progress is definitely encouraging, the team management is keeping its fingers crossed at a time when those Tests against Australia look to be pretty demanding just a few months down the line.

The Indian Express has reported there is no pressure or hurry to bring him back into the national team immediately. Even though he recently started bowling again, increasing his workload gradually will be important to prepare his body for the rigors of Test cricket.

Though there were some expectations that Shami may feature in the Bangladesh series, accord preferences have been given to his long-term fitness by the selectors. Consequently, Shami’s presence in the squad for India’s home season starting next month looks unlikely.

Shami is now looking at the Ranji Trophy opener, on October 11 at that, as a comeback date. That will put him in contention for the home Test series against New Zealand, maybe for the second or third Test as well.

Another thought being mooted is to send him with the India A team for two four-day fixtures in Australia starting October 31 and November 7, which would give the player some invaluable match practice ahead of the Test series.

This careful approach is the same as in the case of fellow pacer Jasprit Bumrah, whose return was handled carefully to prevent a re-injury. Bumrah made his comeback with the T20I series against Ireland and was brought into the ODIs gradually before getting back into Test cricket.

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The team management is too aware of the rigors involved in Test cricket, and the idea is to have Shami completely fit and energized for the tour of Australia. With a five-Test series slated Down Under, Shami’s experience and craft would come in handy as India looks to complete a hat-trick of series triumphs on Australian soil.