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The article centers around the highly anticipated return of veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami to the national team after a 14-month injury layoff. His participation in a rigorous three-hour practice session ahead of the white-ball series against England serves as the focal point. Despite sporting heavy strapping on his left knee, Shami demonstrated impressive resilience and skill, bowling at full tilt for over an hour. The initial cautious approach, marked by short strides and a gradual warm-up, gradually gave way to his trademark fiery spells as he regained his rhythm and pace. His performance in the nets, particularly against promising young batters like Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma, showcased his ability to extract bounce and movement, troubling the batters with his precision.
The session wasn't without its challenges. Young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel posed a stern test, successfully executing aggressive strokes against Shami's deliveries. However, Shami's determination remained unwavering. He continued to bowl at full steam for nearly 45 minutes, impressively without requiring assistance from the team's physiotherapist or strength and conditioning coach. Even after the nets concluded, Shami continued to refine his skills, engaging in detailed discussions with bowling coach Morne Morkel on hitting specific lengths and demonstrating pinpoint accuracy by repeatedly striking the stumps. He further participated in collaborative practice with Hardik Pandya and Harshit Rana, exchanging valuable insights. While there was a brief moment of discomfort, where he limped back to the changing room, Shami quickly returned, showcasing his determination and commitment despite managing his injured knee.
Shami's participation in the T20I squad is of paramount significance given the uncertainty surrounding Jasprit Bumrah's fitness. The article highlights the selectors' emphasis on Shami's inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad. Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar explicitly addressed the issue, emphasizing that Shami's fitness was never a concern in regards to white-ball cricket. The selectors' focus was on his recovery for the Australia series, but his knee injury prevented his participation in the four-day and five-day matches. Agarkar praised Shami's steady progress through domestic cricket, highlighting his impactful performances in the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Vijay Hazare Trophy. Shami's inclusion underscores the importance of his experience and quality to the Indian pace attack heading into the crucial Champions Trophy.
The article also briefly touches on the absence of left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh from the practice session due to personal reasons, confirming his expected return later that day. In contrast, the English team opted for a rest day, highlighting the differing approaches to preparation for the upcoming series. The overall tone of the article is one of optimism and cautious excitement surrounding Shami's return and its impact on Team India's chances in the Champions Trophy. His performance in the practice session served as a testament to his resilience, skill, and unwavering dedication to the game. The article emphasizes the high stakes involved, not only in terms of the Champions Trophy but also the overarching context of India's ambitions in international cricket, further underscoring the importance of Shami's successful comeback from injury.
Source: "Mohammed Shami Limped Back To Changing Room...": Report Provides Training Insight