Mohammed Shami Begins Low-Intensity Training, Could Be Available For 3rd Test Versus England

A piece of recent good news for Indian cricket fans is that senior pacer, Mohammed Shami has commenced his bowling training at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru as he is on the path to completely recover from the wrist injury sustained on the tour to Australia.

In the second innings of the first Test match in Adelaide – when India registered its lowest Test total of 36 – Mohammed Shami was hit by a sharp bouncer from Pat Cummins, as the right-hander couldn’t move out of the way. Shami, who has bowled well in Australia’s first innings, didn’t come out to bowl in the second innings. Scans later revealed that he has a forearm fracture ruling him out of the entire Test series.

The seamer returned back to India and was under an ‘extensive rehabilitation programme’ at the NCA. But he couldn’t recover in time for the home Test series against England and was ruled out of the first two Tests in Chennai.

Recently, the 30-year-old uploaded a video on Instagram where he is seen doing light bowling with a short run-up and bowling at low speeds. Along with Shami, youngster Navdeep Saini is also seen – Saini is recovering from a groin injury which he sustained in the Brisbane Test.

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A post shared by Mohammad Shami , محمد الشامي (@mdshami.11)

Mohammed Shami could return for the Pink-ball Test against England

A source in the know of developments has revealed that Mohammed Shami is bowling at about 50 per cent efforts. He is on course to complete recovery and maybe fight by the time for the Day-Night Test match against Joe Root’s side in Ahmedabad which is scheduled for 24th February.

However, they won’t be pushing him and he will be available for selection only if he is completely match-fit. An assessment of Shami’s bowling and fitness will be done ahead of the third Test. The right-are speedster will also be seen in the IPL 2021 playing for Kings XI Punjab.

“Shami’s forearm is fine right now. He will have some low-intensity net sessions for the next few days. He has been advised to bowl around 18 deliveries a day at 50 to 60 percent effort.

“Since has been out for more than month and half, that is how the workload will be built. He is bowling from a shorter run-up, working to get some feel back. By the next week, the training will be of medium intensity and a final call can then be taken if he will be available for selection for the final two Tests in Ahmedabad,” a source in the know of things told the Press Trust of India.

“The pink ball Test is still two and half weeks away (February 24). There is a very good chance that Shami will be fit and available for selection. That he has started bowling means that his forearm is fine. He doesn’t have any other niggles as of now so by the end of next week, a more clearer picture will emerge,” the source added.

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