The BCCI’s medical team has ruled out all possibilities of Mohammed Shami flying to Australia for the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Thus, the senior men’s team’s selectors didn’t consider his name for the fourth and fifth Tests of the series.
On Monday, December 23, the board released a press statement providing an update on Shami’s fitness.
The BCCI’s press release stated: “Shami bowled 43 overs in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh in November. Following this, he played in all nine games of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, 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.”
Read Also:- Mohammed Shami Border-Gavaskar Trophy Update
Shami’s Wait Continues
The Indian pacer has been out of international action for almost a year. During last year’s World Cup, Shami faced a heel injury for which he had surgery in February this year.
The BCCI’s medical team has claimed that the pacer has recovered from the heel injury. However, he is experiencing minor swelling on his left knee due to his increased bowling workload.
Shami is at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru to undergo strength and conditioning and slowly increase his bowling load to return to full action.
The knee swelling has also resulted in him not featuring in Bengal’s squad for the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. His further availability for the tournament will also depend on his recovery from the knee issue.
Meanwhile, the selectors have drafted in Tanush Kotian as Ravichandran Ashwin’s replacement after the veteran spinner bid adieu to international cricket last week.
