Mohammed Shami resumes training at NCA, might get fit for Ahmedabad Tests

Mohammed Shami, who suffered an injury to his wrist during the first Test against Australia in Adelaide, has started his training at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore.

Shami endured a tough start to the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy after having been hit by a Pat Cummins bouncer in the demoralizing 36 all-out episodes which brought an end to India’s innings. He, subsequently, was ruled out of the Test series and the first two matches of the India-England Tests in Chennai.

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However, in positive news for the Indian team, Shami has resumed training at the National Cricket Academy under the close supervision of the NCA physios. Shami posted a video of him doing low-intensity bowling in the Academy premises.

“Shami’s forearm is fine right now. He will have some low-intensity net sessions for the next few days. He has been advised to bowl around 18 deliveries a day at 50 to 60 percent effort,” a source in the know of things told PTI.

“Since he has been out for more than a month and a half, that is how the workload will be built,” the source added.

Navdeep Saini bowls alongside Shami

Navdeep Saini, who was injured in the Brisbane Test, had also joined Mohammed Shami in Bengaluru and was seen bowling alongside the Bengal pacer in the nets.

Shami was bowling from a shorter run-up, working to get some feeling back, and will increase the intensity in a phased manner.

“The pink ball Test is still two and half weeks away (February 24). There is a very good chance that Shami will be fit and available for selection. That he has started bowling means that his forearm is fine. He doesn’t have any other niggles as of now so by the end of next week, a clearer picture will emerge,” said the source.