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The cricketing world eagerly awaits the potential return of Mohammed Shami to the Indian team for the final two Tests against Australia. News reports indicate that Shami's cricketing kit has already been dispatched to Australia, suggesting a strong likelihood of his participation in the upcoming matches. This development follows a period of rehabilitation and fitness assessment for the star pacer, who has been sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained after the 2023 ODI World Cup final. The injury required surgery, forcing him to miss the initial matches of the current five-Test series. His return would be a significant boost for the Indian team, particularly given the recent injury scare involving Jasprit Bumrah during the second Test.
Shami's road to recovery has involved diligent participation in domestic cricket. He has represented Bengal in both the Ranji Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), providing valuable match practice and demonstrating his fitness progress to the National Cricket Academy (NCA). His performance in these tournaments, coupled with regular monitoring by the NCA medical team, has been instrumental in determining his readiness for international competition. Reports suggest that the NCA is on the verge of granting him fitness clearance, paving the way for his departure to Australia. His participation in the SMAT, specifically the pre-quarterfinal match against Chandigarh, will be his final domestic appearance before joining the national team.
Bengal's head coach, Laxmi Ratan Shukla, has provided insightful updates on Shami's progress. Shukla highlighted Shami's significant weight loss – around six kilograms – showcasing his dedication to regaining peak physical condition. He also emphasized the intensity of Shami's recent domestic schedule, playing seven T20 matches within thirteen days, a testament to his determination and improved fitness levels. Shukla expressed confidence in Shami's availability for the final two Tests, suggesting the pacer himself desired extensive domestic play to adequately assess his body's response to competitive cricket. This proactive approach underscores Shami's commitment to ensuring a complete recovery and minimizing the risk of further injury.
The news of Shami's impending return coincides with a moment of concern for the Indian team. Jasprit Bumrah experienced a setback during the second Test against Australia, pulling up midway through an over. While he was able to resume bowling after receiving treatment from the team physio, the incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of athletic performance and the importance of having a fully fit squad. Shami's return would offer valuable depth and experience to the Indian bowling attack, potentially alleviating pressure on other key bowlers and providing a much-needed boost in their pursuit of series victory.
The situation highlights the crucial role played by the NCA in assessing player fitness and managing injury recovery. The collaboration between the NCA medical staff, including Dr. Nitin Patel and Nishant Bordoloi, and the player himself ensures a holistic approach to rehabilitation. This meticulous process aims to prevent re-injury and ensure a safe and effective return to elite-level competition. The anticipation surrounding Shami's return underscores his importance to the Indian team and the high stakes of the ongoing Test series against Australia. His contribution to the Indian bowling line-up would undoubtedly be significant, bolstering their chances of success in the final two matches of the series.