Mohammed Shami Set to Return in October, Will Play Ranji Trophy Before New Zealand Tests
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/19th August 2024
Senior Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami is preparing for his return to competitive cricket, with his comeback scheduled for October. Currently recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the 2023 ODI World Cup, Shami has been undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. His return to the field will be marked by his participation in the Ranji Trophy, followed by the Test series against New Zealand.
According to a report by PTI, Shami is set to make his first appearance in ten months when he plays for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy tournament, starting on October 11. He is expected to feature in one or both of Bengal’s opening matches: an away game against Uttar Pradesh on October 11 and a home match in Kolkata against Bihar on October 18. Given the tight schedule, Shami might only play one of these games, as there is only a two-day gap between the two fixtures.
Following his stint in domestic cricket, Shami will gear up for the three-match Test series against New Zealand, which begins on October 19 in Bengaluru. The series will continue with matches in Pune on October 24 and Mumbai on November 1. Shami’s participation in these Tests is crucial as he prepares for the subsequent tour of Australia.
The 34-year-old fast bowler last represented India in the ODI World Cup final against Australia on November 19, 2023. Since then, Shami has been sidelined due to an ankle surgery performed in the UK earlier this year, which required a recovery period of at least six months. His return has been eagerly anticipated, and despite some uncertainties regarding his exact return date, Shami is set to rejoin the team soon.
BCCI secretary Jay Shah has confirmed Shami’s presence in the squad for the upcoming series in Australia, addressing concerns raised about his recovery. Shah assured that Shami will be fit and ready to contribute to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in December. “Our team is well-prepared, and we have rested Jasprit Bumrah for a while now. Mohammad Shami is expected to be fit too. This is an experienced Indian side now. Seniors like Rohit and Kohli are fit,” Shah stated in an interview with the Times of India.
Shah further emphasized the importance of Shami’s experience, noting, “He will be there because he is experienced, and we need him in Australia.” With Shami’s imminent return, Indian cricket fans and selectors alike are hopeful for a strong performance from the veteran fast bowler as he reclaims his place in the team and prepares for the challenges ahead.
