Injured Mohammed Shami Set To Miss First Test Against England
Published - 22 Dec 2020, 11:13 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:38 AM
India fast-bowler Mohammed Shami is looking set to spend a good amount of time on the sidelines and is doubtful for the first Test of the four-match series against England in February. The right-arm pacer was recently ruled out of the ongoing series in Australia after coping a painful blow on his hand while batting in the Adelaide Test. Scans later confirmed a fracture in the wrist.
He was hit by a short delivery from Pat Cummins and had to retire hurt. Mohammed Shami walking off the field also brought an end to India’s humiliating innings that saw them get bowled out for 36, their lowest total in Tests. Set a target of 90, Australia had gone on to win the game by eight wickets to take the lead in the four-match Test series.
Mohammed Shami is now set for a six-week rest cum rehabilitation programme after suffering the wrist fracture. Currently, his wrist is plastered and he will go to the NCA for his rehab only after it is off. As a result, he is unlikely to be fit in time for the first Test against England. The Bengal star left for India on Tuesday.
“He is not likely to play the first Test versus England as rest and rehab will take six weeks. Once the plaster is off, he will do his rehab at the NCA (National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru),” a BCCI source told PTI.
Missing Mohammed Shami will be huge blow for India in the ongoing series. The pacer played a huge role when India had won the historic Test series in Australia a couple of years ago. He was India’s second highest wicket-taker with 16 scalps to his name.
Meanwhile, India’s home series against England begins on February 5, with the first of the four Tests scheduled to be held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. England will also play five T20Is and three ODIs in India.
