Mohammed Shami Ruled Out Of Final Two Tests Against Australia Due To Fitness Concerns
The BCCI Medical Team has determined that the fast bowler's knee requires more time for controlled exposure to bowling loads.
India pacer Mohammed Shami has been ruled out of the final two Tests against Australia due to not yet regaining full fitness, the Board of Control for Cricket in India announced on Monday.
Shami, who last represented India in the ODI World Cup final in November 2023, made his return from right heel surgery in Bengal's Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh last month.
As calls for his selection grew, Shami played all nine matches for Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy. He is also part of Bengal's squad for the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, though he did not feature in the opening game against Delhi on Saturday.
His fitness has been widely discussed, with India captain Rohit Sharma even asking the physios at the National Cricket Academy for clarity on the issue after the Brisbane Test. Shami had developed knee swelling while playing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and the final update on his condition was provided on Monday.
"Based on the current medical assessment, the BCCI Medical Team has determined that his knee requires more time for controlled exposure to bowling loads. Consequently, he has not been deemed fit for consideration for the remaining two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy," said the BCCI in a release.
"Shami will continue to undergo targeted strength and conditioning work under the guidance of the medical staff at BCCI's Centre of Excellence and build his bowling loads needed to meet the demands of the longest format of the game. His participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy will depend on the progress of his knee."
The medical team said the veteran fast bowler has fully recovered from the heel injury that kept him out of action after the ODI World Cup.
"The BCCI Medical Team at the Centre of Excellence has been working closely with Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami on his recovery and rehabilitation after his right heel surgery. Shami has completely recovered from this heel problem."
"However, his left knee has exhibited minor swelling due to increased joint loading from his bowling workload. The swelling is on the expected lines, owing to the increased bowling after a prolonged period," the BCCI said. Shami bowled 43 overs in his comeback game in the Ranji Trophy.
Afterward, Shami participated in all nine matches of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, during which he also took part in extra bowling sessions to increase his bowling workload in preparation for the upcoming Test matches. The 34-year-old pacer has claimed 229 wickets in 64 Tests, 195 wickets in 101 ODIs, and 24 wickets in 23 T20 Internationals.
With India depending significantly on Jasprit Bumrah in Australia, Shami's inclusion in the bowling lineup would have offered a valuable boost to the attack.
(With PTI Inputs)
