Mohammed Shami ruled out again? Pacer delivers fitness update after SMAT injury scare

Published - 30 Nov 2024, 03:37 PM | Updated - 30 Nov 2024, 04:08 PM

Mohammed Shami Pic Credits X Com Vsoneji24
Mohammed Shami [Pic Credits X.Com-@vsoneji24]

Team India pace bowler Mohammed Shami suffered a lower back injury scare while playing for Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh. Mohammed Shami last played for the Indian cricket team during the ODI World Cup 2023, where the team suffered a loss in the final.

The 34-year-old made an impressive comeback to competitive cricket, taking seven wickets for Bengal in a Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh. He was later included in Bengal's squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Shami has to prove his match fitness before traveling to Australia for Tests.

Mohammed Shami Suffers Injury Scare Against Madhya Pradesh

Mohammed Shami experienced discomfort in his lower back during the penultimate over while attempting to stop the ball. The veteran fast bowler received immediate medical attention from Nitin Patel, head of the BCCI Centre of Excellence's medical panel, and was cleared of any serious injuries.

However, Shami completed his over, but this raised concerns about his fitness shortly after his return to competitive cricket. He conceded 38 runs in his four overs without taking any wickets. Madhya Pradesh won the match by 6 wickets while chasing a target of 190 runs in Rajkot on Friday, November 29.

Madhya Pradesh bowler Shivam Shukla shone with the ball, taking 4/29, as Bengal was restricted to 189/9. In the chase, skipper Rajat Patidar scored 68 runs off 40 balls, and Subhranshu Senapati added 50 runs off 33 balls.

Bengal Pacer Provides Update on Injury Scare in Recent Match

On Saturday, November 30, Mohammed Shami shared a gym workout update on social media, captioning it: "Strong legs, strong mind, strong body."

In the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, his best performance came against Hyderabad, where he took three wickets for 21 runs in Rajkot. Bengal's next match is scheduled against Meghalaya on December 1 at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot.

Mohammed Shami Not Included in Squad for Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Shami was initially expected to travel to Australia after proving his fitness with a strong performance in the Ranji Trophy match. However, reports suggest that Shami will not be rushed into Test cricket, especially as India's bowlers have performed well in the ongoing series in Australia.

In the first Test at Optus Stadium, debutants Harshit Rana and Nitish Reddy impressed as India secured a historic 295-run victory over Australia. The India cricket team took a 1-0 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.

Shami has an impressive record in Australia, having picked up 31 wickets in seven Tests, including two five-wicket hauls. The 34-year-old was not included in the squad for the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The BCCI seems to be prioritizing the form and fitness before rushing to the Test side.

Also read: Prithvi Shaw told to follow Virat Kohli's footsteps after going unsold in IPL auction 2025

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