 |
|
The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia has suffered a significant blow with the news of star Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami's knee injury flaring up. This setback comes just eight weeks before the first Test match is scheduled to take place in Perth, casting a shadow of uncertainty over Shami's participation in the series.
Shami's absence from the Indian team has been a noticeable void since his last match against Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final. The 34-year-old has been plagued by injuries, which have forced him to miss crucial tournaments, including the tour of South Africa, the five-match Test series against England, IPL 2024, and the 2024 T20 World Cup.
While the BCCI medical team had hoped that Shami's ankle injury, which required surgery, would be fully healed by the Bangladesh Test series, the latest knee issue has thrown his recovery into jeopardy. Despite resuming bowling and making progress towards a competitive return, the recent flare-up has led to a reassessment of his fitness by the medical team, potentially pushing his return further back.
The news of Shami's injury has understandably sent a ripple of concern through the Indian cricket fraternity. His ability to generate pace and swing the ball with precision has made him a valuable asset to the team, particularly in Australian conditions. His absence would leave a gaping hole in the bowling attack, forcing the team to rely heavily on other players to fill the void.
With the New Zealand Test series slated for October 16 to November 5, followed by the much-anticipated Australia tour, time is of the essence for Shami's recovery. The NCA medical team, known for its effective workload management system, is working tirelessly to expedite his return to fitness. However, the severity of the injury and the time required for rehabilitation remain uncertain, making his participation in the Australia series a significant question mark.
The Indian team management will be closely monitoring Shami's progress and hoping for a swift recovery. The absence of their premier fast bowler would undoubtedly be a significant setback, potentially altering the course of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy.