In a positive development for Indian cricket, Mohammed Shami demonstrated impressive form during a recent nets session, catching the attention of assistant coach Abhishek Nayar. Shami, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury, was seen bowling at near full intensity, working alongside young opener Shubman Gill, who also missed the first Test against New Zealand due to a stiff neck. This practice session marked a significant milestone in Shami’s recovery, as he focused on his rhythm and fitness while sporting heavy strapping on his left knee.
Mohammad Shami’s net session: Bowling to Shubman Gill and Abhishek Nayar
During the session, Shami, dressed in a sleeveless black t-shirt and shorts, concentrated on his line and length. Bowling primarily around the wicket to Nayar, he consistently found good areas while also surprising with sharp, short-pitched deliveries. When bowling to Gill, Shami opted for a shorter run-up, showcasing his technical precision under the watchful eyes of bowling coach Morne Morkel. This training not only allowed Shami to refine his bowling rhythm but also served as a crucial step towards achieving full fitness.
Here are the videos:
Mohammed Shami in action 🔥@MdShami11 pic.twitter.com/qzXHHub4J9
— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) October 20, 2024
With a heavily strapped left knee, #MohammedShami bowls to #ShubmanGill at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. #BCCI @DeccanHerald pic.twitter.com/itpxNRrcl1
— Madhu Jawali (@MadhuJawali) October 20, 2024
Impact of Shami’s absence on India’s Performance against New Zealand
India’s recent loss to New Zealand in the first Test has intensified discussions regarding Shami’s absence, which many attribute to a lack of pace in the bowling attack. The combination of Shami and Jasprit Bumrah has been vital for India’s success, particularly in Test matches. Shami’s ability to generate swing and speed has been sorely missed, raising concerns about the team’s performance in challenging conditions. Although not part of the squad for the ongoing New Zealand series, there is growing speculation about his readiness for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
Also READ: KL Rahul or Sarfaraz Khan – Who will Shubman Gill replace in the 2nd Test against New Zealand?
Shami’s Journey: Overcoming injury and preparing for a comeback
Shami has been recuperating since the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023, where he played through an ankle injury in the final. Following India’s defeat to Australia, Shami underwent ankle surgery and has been diligently rehabilitating at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. His absence has been felt not just in international fixtures but also in the IPL, where he withdrew due to fitness concerns. Shami’s contributions as one of India’s premier fast bowlers have been crucial, making his anticipated return a focal point for both the team and supporters.
Shami’s fitness and the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy
With Shami now bowling at full intensity, there is renewed hope for his return ahead of India’s critical tour of Australia. His recent training sessions with Nayar and Morkel suggest steady progress in his recovery. Initially expected to rejoin the team for the ongoing Test series against New Zealand, Shami was ruled out due to concerns about his fitness. Captain Rohit Sharma had previously noted that Shami’s knee was still swollen before the series, but his current training indicates a commitment to regaining full match readiness. As the BGT approaches, Shami’s fitness will be closely monitored, as his experience and skills will be essential for India’s success in the high-stakes series against Australia.
Also READ: 5 captaincy blunders that cost India the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand
