sports desk28 minutes ago
- copy link
Mohammed Shami can play Test series against New Zealand in October.
India’s experienced fast bowler Mohammed Shami can return to the cricket field in Ranji Trophy in October. He is likely to play the opening matches of Ranji Trophy for Bengal. He has set a target to be completely fit before the Australia tour starting in November. The selectors are also not in a hurry regarding his return.
Ranji matches can be played on 11th or 18th October
The new season of Ranji Trophy will start from October 11, on the same day Shami’s home team Bengal will have its first match against Uttar Pradesh. The team will face Bihar from October 18, just 3 days after the end of the match. According to reports, Shami can play against either the team of UP or Bihar. There is a gap of only 3 days between the two matches, considering that the chances of them playing both the matches are less.
Mohammed Shami has started bowling at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
Can play test against New Zealand
The 3 Test series between India and New Zealand will also start from October 16. The first Test against New Zealand will be played in Bengaluru from 16th October, the second Test in Pune from 24th October and the third Test in Mumbai from 1st November. If Shami is successful in proving his match fitness, then he may also get a chance to play the remaining 2 Tests of the series against New Zealand.
Shami returned to India in March after undergoing surgery in England.
Australia tour is the last target
If Shami plays against New Zealand, he can be considered fit for the Australia tour. The Australia tour will start from November 22 with the Perth Test. India has to play 5 tests here till 7th January.
The selectors want to keep Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah fit along with Shami for this series. Because with the help of these 3 pacers, India had captured the last 2 Border-Gavaskar series on Australian soil in 2018 and 2021.
Shami has taken 229 wickets in 64 tests for India. Which includes 5-wickets in the innings 6 times. He also has 195 wickets in ODI and 24 wickets in T-20. He plays for Gujarat Titans in IPL.
Shami is recovering from ankle surgery
Mohammed Shami went to England in January this year and got his ankle surgery done. After the surgery, he remained away from the field for 6 months. He started rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru this month. Some videos of Shami also surfaced, in which he was seen bowling at a slow pace.
During recovery from ankle injury, Mohammed Shami was seen walking with the help of crutches.
Last match played on 19th November
Mohammed Shami played his last international match in the ODI World Cup final against Australia on 19 November 2023. After this he was given a break, in which he underwent surgery. If he makes a comeback against New Zealand, he will be seen playing international cricket after about 11 months.
