The Indian squad is in severe need of bowling reinforcements in Australia, and the wait for experienced bowler Mohammed Shami to join them continues. Shami appeared to be ready to play in the series’ final two Tests, but his fitness worries have stopped the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) from flying him to Australia anytime soon. India captain Rohit Sharma was questioned about Shami’s situation following the conclusion of the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. Rohit maintained the door open for Shami but refused to provide a timescale.
The India captain also stated that the pacer is struggling with a swollen knee as he prepares to compete in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Bengal.
According to the Indian Express, Shami has undertaken a fresh fitness test, indicating that the pacer is not yet ready for five-day cricket. As a result, a flight to Australia shortly seems unlikely. Shami will, however, play in Bengal’s knockout against Baroda at the J M Chinnaswamy Stadium, where his fitness and knee troubles may be tested further.
There are concerns about Shami’s ability to bowl long stints in the red ball format, given that he is still dealing with sore knees despite delivering four overs. Shami has appeared in one Ranji Trophy match and all seven of Bengal’s SMAT matches since his return to competitive cricket, impressing both with the ball and the bat.
What Rohit Sharma stated about Mohammed Shami’s situation
Rohit wasn’t hopeful about Shami’s likely return, citing the experienced pacer’s ongoing knee troubles. The India skipper stated that he does not want to hurry Shami back into the team until he is certain of his 100% fitness.
“We want to be more than certain with him because it has been a long time. We don’t want to put stress on him to come here and do his part for the team. There are some professionals monitoring, and we will make a decision based on how they feel. They are the ones who see him every game, how he gets up after the game, bowling four overs and standing for twenty overs. “But the door is open for them to come and play at any time,” Rohit remarked.