New Delhi: The suspense surrounding Mohammed Shami’s much-awaited return to international cricket remained on Friday during India’s practice session at the M.A Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Judging by the pacer’s nearly hour-long stint of varying intensity at the India nets on the eve of the second T20I on Saturday, Shami is set to miss out on the playing X1 of the second match.
Shami, who last played for India during the 2023 World Cup final, toiled hard to find his bowling rhythm at the Chepauk but failed to find the top gear which makes him a nightmare for the batters.
Shami was expected to play in the first T20I against England at Kolkata on Wednesday, but the management decided to delay his return. Shami’s absence raised doubts about his fitness as fans started speculating on the think tank’s decision.
Shami toils hard in nets but nowhere near peak fitness
Shami was an active presence in the Chepauk nets. The seasoned pacer began the session with light jogging alongside assistant coach Abhishek Nayar. The 34-year-old then warmed up with throwing drills with fielding coach T Dilip before hitting the bowling nets.
Shami’s legs were heavily bandaged – a clear indication that he is yet to reach his peak fitness. He started with a half-run-up and worked a decent pace as well. After bowling a few deliveries with a short run-up, Shami bowled with full tilt, but the smoothness in his approach and release was missing.
In contrast, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh looked sharp and accurate.
After taking a break to chat with bowling coach Morne Morkel and head coach Gautam Gambhir, Shami returned to the nets to resume bowling. He bowled with better rhythm and sharpness but looked rusty overall.
Shami’s rustiness comes as a big surprise purely because he was selected to the India squad for the series against England and the Champions Trophy after toiling in the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Mohammed Shami’s legs were heavily bandaged during the net session at Chepauk. This was a clear indication that he is yet to reach his peak fitness. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
