Mohammed Shami has made a brilliant return to competitive cricket after 360 days and this is a really good sign of his possible return to the Indian team for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
Shami was sidelined in India’s 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad last November due to an Achilles tendon injury that required surgery earlier this year.
The 34-year-old pacer was close to returning to action for the Test series against New Zealand, but another setback forced him to wait for his return and then miss the squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. .
Mohammed Shami makes a strong comeback after 360 days, eyes turn to Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25
But Mohammad Shami has finally managed to get fit for Bengal in the ongoing Ranji Trophy in the 2024-25 season. Currently playing in a group match between Madhya Pradesh and Bengal at Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore.
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Madhya Pradesh, who elected to bowl first, ended the day at 103/1 after bowling out Bengal for 228 on Day 1 of the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25 encounter in Indore. However, veteran pacer Mohammad Shami remained wicketless on Day 1 against Madhya Pradesh on November 13.
On the vibrant green surface at the Holkar Stadium, Mohammad Shami showcased his skills, delivering a stunning spell with figures of 10 innings, conceding 34 runs with a single maiden. His first four-over spell saw him concede just 16 runs, including three boundaries, while his second spell covered six overs, conceding another 18 runs with a maiden.
Mohammad Shami returns with impressive figures of 19-4-54-4
However, the Bengal seamer came back with a bang on Day 2, bowling full throttle to bundle out Madhya Pradesh for just 167 with four wickets in the first session, giving Bengal a 61-run first innings lead over the hosts. in Indore. Shami made an immediate impact by dismissing Madhya Pradesh captain Shubham Sharma for just eight runs.
The Indian pacer then came back to spoil the lower order. In his 18th over, Shami dismissed all-rounder Saransh Jain and in the next over he bowled twice as many balls, sending Kumar Kartikeya and Khulwant Khejrolia back to the pavilion.
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The experienced fast bowler was the standout performer for Bengal, finishing with impressive figures of 4 wickets for 54 runs in 19 runs before lunch on Day 2 in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25 encounter against Madhya Pradesh. It should be noted that Shami is playing his first Ranji Trophy match for Bengal since November 2018.
#MohammedShami returns to its rhythm #RanjiTrophy2024 pic.twitter.com/Oqm3fWeDbK
— Daniel Calib (@DCalib) November 14, 2024
Mohammed Shami’s stamina in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 raises hopes for Test comeback for Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25
What was most satisfying about Shami’s remarkable performance was his ability to score 19 off Bengal’s 59, the highest by any bowler in the ongoing red-ball match. This indicates that Shami is ready to box for a long time, pointing to a positive sign of his fitness as he prepares to return to international cricket for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia.
Indian selectors and the BCCI are keeping a close eye on Shami’s form and fitness in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25 as a solid performance could strengthen his case for a place in the Indian squad for the upcoming Sarhad-Gavaskar. Trophy 2024-25 in Australia. The first Test of the upcoming five-match series will be played in Perth from November 22.
