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Mohammed Shami has made his competitive return and bowled 10 overs during Day 1 of Bengal’s Ranji Trophy clash with Madhya Pradesh.
Mohammed Shami in action on Day 1 of Bengal vs MP. (Screengrab)
India pacer Mohammed Shami on Wednesday bowled in a competitive match for the first time after 360 days. Shami, who has been pushed on the sidelines since the end of 2023 ODI World Cup, is representing Bengal in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. The seasoned fast bowler sent down 10 wicketless overs on the opening day of Bengal’s clash with Madhya Pradesh in Indore.
A clip showing glimpses of Shami bowling during the match is doing the rounds on social media. The 34-year-old conceded 16 runs during his first spell comprising four overs that included 17 dot balls and three fours.
In his second spell, Shami sent down six overs for 18 runs including a maiden. There are reports of BCCI keeping a close watch on the right-arm pacer’s fitness with potential of him flying to Australia later on to link up with the India squad for the Border-Gavaksar Trophy set to get underway from November 22.
Shami though wasn’t named in the squad for the five-match Test series but various reports claim that should he manage to prove his fitness, there’s a possibility of him making his international comeback during the Australia tour.
The pacer last played for India at the 2023 ODI World Cup final following which he was sidelined with an ankle injury for which he later underwent surgery.
India men’s team chief selector Ajit Agarkar told media earlier this year that they were hopeful Shami will be back for the home Test series against Bangladesh. However, it wasn’t the case and later reports emerged that the cricketer has developed knee issues which might further delay his comeback to competitive cricket.
Meanwhile, Shami is playing alongside his brother Mohammed Kaif for the first time in a Ranji Trophy match. While Shami remained wicketless, Kaif, also a right-arm pacer, managed to take a wicket as MP finished the day at 103/1 in reply to Bengal’s 228-all out in first innings.
