Mohammad Shami's preparation for the upcoming home season, progressing on the right track
Mohammed Shami's rehabilitation from a serious knee injury is progressing on the right track. During the Indian team's preparatory camp in Bangalore, Espncricinfo reported that Shami was bowling at full tilt from his usual run-up in the National Cricket Academy nets. Even though he has not been considered for the T20 internationals and the first 3 ODIs, Shami's skiddy pace coupled with reverse swing makes him a vital cog in Team India's fortunes.
With plenty of cricket coming up for Team India including important tussles against the number 1 ranked South African test team, the considerable improvement in his fitness will delight the team management.
Despite being injured mid-way through the ICC World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, he had battled hard and played through pain during the latter stages of the tournament. The recently married Shami was the pick of all Indian bowlers in the World Cup by snapping up 17 wickets from 7 matches at an average of 17 and an economy of 4.8 by bowling with venom and precision.
It is worth noting that his injury woes began during the Adelaide test match in which he found it difficult to land on the footmarks created by the Australian offspinner, Nathan Lyon.
Shami explained that he was satisfied with his recovery and was gradually increasing his workload. He was quoted as saying, "I've been bowling off my full run-up for a while now, and don't feel much discomfort." The Uttar Pradesh born pace bowler bowled without any discomfort for about 45 minutes in the nets on Thursday. It is being seen as a significant improvement for the young fast bowler who was unable to even walk without the support of crutches a few months back.
But, there are still question marks surrounding his fitness and he is largely unlikely to be risked for the remaining 2 ODI matches against South Africa. The team physio is closely monitoring his condition and the selectors would want him to be fit and firing for the 4 match series against the premier test team.
The chairman of selectors, Sandeep Patil, mentioned that they were carefully examining Shami's recovery, in the subsequent press conference after the squad for the T20Is and the first 3 ODIs was named. In this regard, Roger Binny, in his capacity as a selector, was seen observing the Indian team's vigorous practice sessions, as they are currently preparing for what appears to be an engrossing season of cricket with the South African series followed by a limited-overs tour to Australia, culminating in the ICC World T20 in March.