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Shami was named in India’s squad for the five-match T20I series against England on January 11, and he attended the team’s first practice session at Eden Gardens on Sunday.
Mohammed Shami chats with Gautam Gambhir during India’s first practice session at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday. (Picture Credit: PTI)
Star fast bowler Mohammed Shami is all set to make his long-awaited India comeback. The 34-year-old fast bowler, who finished as the highest wicket-taker in the ODI World Cup 2023, last played for India on November 19, 2023. He missed the entire 2024 season for Men in Blue due to an ankle injury, but after making a successful return to domestic cricket for Bengal in November last year, he was named in India’s T20I squad for the upcoming five-match series against England.
Shami, who will lead India’s pace attack in the home series, attended India’s first practice session at Eden Gardens on Sunday, January 19. According to a report in news agency PTI, Shami displayed promising signs and bowled at full tilt for over an hour. But it has also been reported that the star pacer appeared slightly discomforted and limped back to the changing room. However, he quickly returned to the ground and cautiously engaged with his old Bengal teammates while carefully managing his heavily strapped left knee.
Shami attended the practice session with heavy strapping on his left knee and began with a gradual warm-up session under the watchful eyes of bowling coach Morne Morkel.
Initially running in with short strides, he bowled for nearly an hour before participating in a cautious fielding drill to test his knee.
Just as doubts arose about his full readiness, the seasoned pacer turned back the clock with a long run-up and trademark fiery spells, bowling to youngsters like Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma in the nets.
Shami’s rhythm improved with each delivery, as he extracted bounce and movement, troubling the batters on multiple occasions.
However, young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel managed to take on Shami, hitting some aggressive strokes, providing the veteran with a stern test.
Despite a taxing session, Shami continued to bowl at full steam for nearly 45 minutes without requiring assistance from the team’s physiotherapist or strength and conditioning coach.
After the nets, Shami wasn’t done yet.
He moved to the adjacent length-bowling practice area, where he engaged in a detailed discussion with Morkel.
The duo worked meticulously on hitting specific lengths, with Shami showcasing pinpoint accuracy by repeatedly striking the two stumps set up for the drill.
He then joined Hardik Pandya and Harshit Rana for further practice, exchanging insights during the session.
With an injury cloud hanging over Jasprit Bumrah, Shami’s fitness is pivotal to India’s plans.
(With inputs from PTI)
