IND Vs ENG: Mohammad Shami Set To Return In Time For 5-Match Test Series Against Three Lions

Senior Indian Pacer Mohammad Shami is setting his sights on a return to competitive cricket through India’s upcoming 5-match Test series against England at home which begins later this month. Shami has been out of all cricketing actions since last November, following India’s Cricket World Cup Final loss against Australia.

Mohammad Shami initially suffered an ankle injury and was rested for the T20I series against the Aussies right after the CWC final. Later on as the selectors were composing India’s squad for the month-long tour of South Africa, Shami was not deemed fit by the BCCI and he had to miss the entire series itself.

His absence was majorly felt during the 2-match Freedom Trophy Test series where India, after losing the 1st Test by an innings and 32 runs went on to draw the series as Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah’s emphatic performances helped the visitors grab their first-ever victory at Cape Town’s Newlands Cricket Ground.

In that match, Siraj and Bumrah ended up taking 7 and 8 wickets respectively across 2 innings as the match did not even last for 2 entire days. Mohammad Shami’s darting line length was heavily missed in the 1st test in a Centurion track which served as a paradise for bowlers.

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While South African pacers took full advantage of the home conditions, the Indian bowling attack looked very ordinary and that was when the importance of Mohammad Shami was well and truly felt. But nonetheless, after the injury hiatus of almost 2 months, Shami is inching closer to a return.

He is currently undergoing rehabilitation at NCA (Bengaluru) and is recovering well from the ankle injury. Mohammad Shami himself confirmed his availability for the Test series against the Three Lions which begins on 25th January.

A specific date has not yet been confirmed but there are talks of his return after the completion of the first two Tests in Hyderabad and Vishakhapatnam. “My rehabilitation is well on track and the medical experts at NCA are happy with my progress. There is slight stiffness in my ankle but that’s fine. I have started my training sessions and I believe I will be able to make a comeback in the England series. I am targeting the series for my return.” – Shami said.

Mohammad Shami Hails Bumrah And Siraj, Calls Them Best Pacers In The World

Ahead of his return, Mohammad Shami not only spoke about his injury but also hailed Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah for their sensational comeback in the 2nd Test. Shami also shed light on his misfortune of having not been there for the Test series and also mentioned his eagerness to return.

“I can say this with confidence that we are one of the world’s best pace attacks. You saw that during the ODI World Cup. In the SA series, Jasprit and Siraj bowled brilliantly in the second Test.” – Mohammad Shami concluded.

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