IND vs ENG: Shami starts training after injury layoff; set for comeback in third Test
There is some good news coming in if you are an Indian cricket fan. It has now been declared that Mohammed Shami has begun his training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. He will mostly be available for the third Test against England, which will be a pink-ball affair.
The fast bowler had earlier injured his wrist after a nasty Pat Cummins bouncer in the first Test against Australia had pinged him hard on his forearm. The injury ultimately ruled him out of the remainder of the Australian tour and the first two Tests against England.
Shami trains hard
Two days ago, Shami posted a clip of him training rigorously on his Instagram page, along with fellow Indian pacer Navdeep Saini, who is also ruled out of the first two England Tests due to a groin injury.
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Shami’s forearm is fine now: source
According to a source, Shami’s forearm has healed. The source added that he will undergo low key intensity net sessions for a few days, and has even been advised to bowl 18 deliveries at around 50 to 60 per cent effort. The source added that this was a way the workload would be slowly built, as the pacer has been out of action for more than a month.
“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 per cent effort. Since has been out for more than a month and a half, that is how the workload will be built,” the source told India Today.
Final call to be taken
It is also understood that Shami will be bowling with a shorter run-up. And by next week, he will be working on ‘medium’ intensity. A final call on his selection would be taken ahead of the third Test at Ahmedabad. Unconfirmed reports suggest there is a good chance that Shami would be available for the third Test.
“He is bowling from a shorter run-up, working to get some feel back. By the next week, the training will be of medium intensity and a final call can then be taken if he will be available for selection for the final two Tests in Ahmedabad.
“The pink ball Test is still two and a half weeks away (February 24). There is a very good chance that Shami will be fit and available for selection. He doesn’t have any other niggles as of now so by the end of next week, a more clearer picture will emerge,” concluded the source.
The third Test between India and England will be starting on 24th February at Ahmedabad.
