Mohammed Shami deemed not fit for Melbourne, Sydney Tests vs Australia: BCCI

The Indian cricket board (BCCI) said on Monday, December 23 that Mohammed Shami will not travel to Australia for the last two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The board’s update comes after captain Rohit Sharma addressed the speculation about his availability and urged the National Cricket Academy experts to update the status of the fast bowler’s fitness.

Shami was not picked in the 18-man squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to a knee injury concern which came to light after his successful recovery from a heel injury, which put him on the sidelines for close to a year. The senior fast bowler’s fitness was monitored by the BCCI medical team and the senior selection committee as he played domestic cricket.

The BCCI confirmed that the knee injury was a result of his workload on return from a long lay-off and that they are confident of his recovery, sooner than later. Shami hasn’t played any form of international cricket since India’s ODI World Cup final last year against Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

“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,” the BCCI stated on Monday.

“Shami bowled 43 overs in the Ranji Trophy match for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh in November. Following this, he played in all nine games of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), where he also engaged in additional bowling sessions on the sidelines to build his bowling volume in order to get ready for the Test matches.

“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.

“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,” the board added.

VIJAY HAZARE PARTICIPATION IN DOUBT
Shami was rested for Bengal’s Vijay Hazare Trophy opener against Delhi last week. The BCCI confirmed that the medical team will continue to monitor the fast bowler’s workload and his participation in the domestic 50-overs tournament would depend on his recovery.

“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,” it added.

Earlier, Rohit Sharma humorously sidestepped questions about the pacer and stated that only the NCA could provide clarity on his fitness. Rohit emphasised that the NCA would need to certify Shami’s readiness before any decision could be made about his inclusion in the Test squad.

Shami, fresh from a post-surgery recovery, showcased impressive performances during the domestic season by claiming seven wickets in the Ranji Trophy and nine in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. However, lingering knee troubles prompted selectors to exercise caution in view of forthcoming international tournaments.