Indian pacer Mohammed Shami is set to make his return to competitive cricket after nearly a year on the sidelines. Shami will represent Bengal in their Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh starting Wednesday.
The National Cricket Academy has cleared him to play.Shami’s return was anticipated for some time, with expectations he would feature in the Ranji Trophy. However, a delayed fitness certificate from the NCA due to reported injury concerns prevented his earlier participation.
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“In a major boost to Indian cricket and the Bengal Ranji Trophy team, star pacer Mohammad Shami will make a comeback into competitive cricket for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match in Indore starting on Wednesday,” said Naresh Ojha, honorary secretary of Cricket Association of Bengal in a statement.
“Shami, who has been out of competitive action since India’s ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad last November, will spearhead the Bengal pace bowling attack against Madhya Pradesh.
“Shami’s inclusion in the Bengal team will not just be a big boost but also lift the morale of the entire team, which aims to make it to the next round of the Ranji Trophy.
“Bengal, who are currently in the fifth spot in the points table with 8 points from 4 games, bagged three crucial points from their last match against Karnataka,” he added.
This comeback is significant for both Bengal and India. Bengal will be boosted by Shami’s presence, particularly with pacers Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar currently in Australia with the Indian team, and Ishan Porel recovering from injury.
For India, Shami’s return to fitness ahead of the crucial Australian tour is a major boost. His form and fitness will be closely observed.
Shami last played in the 2023 World Cup final on November 19th, after which he began his injury rehabilitation.