Mohammed Shami issues official statement on his fitness as he eyes return to international cricket
Published - 23 Jul 2024, 11:06 PM | Updated - 24 Aug 2024, 06:14 AM
India pacer Mohammed Shami has delivered a positive update on his fitness as he continues working hard to make his much-awaited return to competitive cricket.
The right-arm pacer has not played a competitive game since November last year. His last appearance was the final of the ODI World Cup. Immediately after the competition ended, he was sidelined with an ankle injury. He was carrying the injury during the World Cup as well but took injections to deal with the pain.
At first, it was anticipated that he would recover in a month or two after a period of rest. However, the injury was more serious than first anticipated and he had to undergo surgery on his right Achilles tendon in London in February this year. He has been on the sidelines since.
While the Indian team management or the selectors are yet to deliver any update on Mohammed Shami's fitness, the bowler has himself delivered a very positive update. On Tuesday (July 23), he took to Instagram to post a few photos of himself bowling in the nets. The pacer is currently at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
"Ball in hand and obsession in my heart, ready to turn the game," wrote Shami in the caption.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Mohammed Shami to return to action soon:
Having started bowling in the nets, Mohammed Shami is likely to return to competitive cricket soon. After the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka, India are scheduled to play Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand at home before leaving for Australia for a bumper five-match Test series.
A recent report stated that although Shami was expected to make his much-awaited comeback during the series against Bangladesh, he is unlikely to do so. Shami is likely to return to international cricket during the Test series against New Zealand in October-November. A fit Shami is also more than likely to be a part of the India squad for the tour of Australia.
Before the injury, Shami had enjoyed a brilliant campaign in the ODI World Cup. He had finished the competition as the highest wicket-taker even though he did not play the first four games. In 7 games, Shami picked up a record 24 wickets with the help of 3 five-wicket hauls.
