India’s top fast bowler Mohammed Shami opined that he will properly wait for achieving full fitness before he makes a comeback in international cricket. He was last seen in action in the ODI World Cup following which he had to stay away from the game due to an ankle injury.
Mohammed Shami Focused On Achieving Full Fitness
“Koshish jaldi hi kar raha hoon kyun ke main janta hoon kaafi time ho gaya hai team se bahar rehte hue (I am working hard to make a comeback soon because I know I have been out of action for quite some time),” Shami said at the Cricket Association of Bengal’s (CAB) annual awards ceremony. “However, I want to ensure there is no discomfort when I return. I’ve to work on my fitness, so that there is no discomfort.”
“The stronger I return, the better it is for me. I don’t want to rush and risk getting injured again, be it against Bangladesh, New Zealand or the Australia series. I’ve already started bowling, but I won’t take any chances until I am 100% fit.”
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Mohammed Shami To Make Comeback In Domestic Cricket ?
Last month, a PTI report had cited sources stating that Mohammed Shami, who is presently in rehab, will return to competitive cricket for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy. There have also been rumors that he may even join a Test series against New Zealand later.
Mohammed Shami is expected to play at least one or two of Bengal’s Ranji Trophy matches which are scheduled against Uttar Pradesh on October 11 and Bihar on October 18.
He also threw light on the possibility that he may first represent domestic cricket before joining the international circuit.
“If I need to play domestic cricket to test my fitness, I will,” Shami said. “What matters most is that I am fully ready for whatever comes next, regardless of the opposition or format.”
Mohammed Shami is open to putting the hard yards in the domestic circuit to boost his international return.
— ICC (@ICC) September 15, 2024
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Shami is anticipated to play a crucial role in India’s preparations for the upcoming five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia.
“Favourites toh hum hi hai, chinta unhe honi chahiye (We are the favourites, they should be worried),” Shami said.
Mohammed Shami: The Leading Wicket-taker In ODI World Cup 2023
Indian pacer Mohammed Shami was the top wicket-taker in ICC ODI World Cup 2023. Shami had missed the early bulk of the tournament but made an impact when he joined India’s playing team during their fifth league match against New Zealand. During the seven games, he pocketed 24 wickets at an average of 10.70 and with a strike rate of 12.20 while his best performance is 7/57. Shami took three five-wicket hauls and one four-wicket haul, registering the best bowling figures by any Indian bowler in World Cup history.
Shami has picked up 55 wickets with an average of 13.52 and strike rate of 15.81 in 18 World Cup matches, apart from his record breaking performance of 7/57. He is joint top with four five-falls for any one player in World Cup history and stands as the fifth-highest wicket-taker ever in World Cup history.
